Ferrovial sells transmission lines in Chile
In a significant move in the energy sector, Ferrovial has completed the sale of approximately 200 kilometers of transmission lines in Chile. This operation is part of its divestment strategy and occurs after seven years of presence in the Chilean market, where the Spanish company had invested 64 million euros in 2016.
The transaction, which involves 100% of the shares of Transchile Charrúa Transmission, was acquired by Transelec Holdings, the main electricity transmission company in the country. Although Ferrovial has not revealed the amount of the operation, the sale marks a milestone in its activity in the region.
Until the date of the sale, Ferrovial operated a total of 1,195 transmission line structures in Chile, with a capacity that exceeds 1,000 megawatts (MW) in each of its sections. The Spanish company had opted for the development of electrical infrastructure in the South American country, but is now reorienting itself towards other projects.
Impact on the Chilean electrical system
The line acquired by Transelec is considered a "critical piece" within the National Electrical System. According to Transelec's Vice President of Business Development, Olivia Heuts, this line is essential to ensure the electricity supply in the south of Chile and facilitate the injection of renewable energy into the system.
The 220 kV double circuit line has a length of 204 kilometers and a transmission capacity of 500 megavolt-ampere (MVA) per circuit. Under the supervision of Chile's National Transmission System, this infrastructure is essential for more than 300,000 homes in the southern region of the country.
Ferrovial, for its part, maintains two other projects in Chile: the Centella project, which covers 504 kilometers and was put into operation in 2024, and the 12-kilometer Top Mauro project, which will open in 2025. However, none of these projects are currently for sale.
The sale of these lines occurs in a context of growing interest on the part of energy companies in the development of infrastructure that allows a transition towards more sustainable energy sources. Transelec's ability to integrate this new line into its network is seen as an important step towards the modernization of the Chilean electricity system.
The operation also reflects the dynamics of the energy market in the region, where energy demand continues to increase and the need for adequate infrastructure becomes increasingly urgent. The incorporation of this line will allow Transelec to strengthen its network and improve the quality of service in an area that has experienced significant population and economic growth in recent years.
The sale process and the subsequent integration of the line into the Transelec system will be carried out under strict regulations and supervision by the Chilean authorities. This ensures that the transition is done in an orderly manner and that end users are not affected.
With this operation, Ferrovial moves away from a sector in which it had made a considerable investment, while Transelec reinforces its position as a leader in the electrical transmission market in Chile. The sale also highlights the importance of strategic alliances in a sector that faces constant challenges in terms of sustainability and efficiency.
The line acquired by Transelec not only represents an improvement in electrical infrastructure, but is also a step towards the integration of renewable energies into the system, a key objective for the country's energy future. The capacity of the new line to facilitate the injection of clean energy is an aspect that stands out in the context of the energy transition that Chile seeks to implement.
The operation is framed at a time when the Chilean energy sector is in full transformation, with a growing focus on sustainability and emissions reduction. The sale of Ferrovial is a reflection of these trends and the need to adapt to a constantly changing environment.
The transaction was formalized at a time when the buzz in the energy sector is palpable, with companies seeking to position themselves strategically for a future that promises to be challenging and full of opportunities. Transelec's ability to manage this new line will be key to its success in the market.
The sale of Ferrovial to Transelec is a fact that marks a new chapter in the history of electrical infrastructure in Chile, with implications that will extend beyond the simple economic transaction.
The acquired line is considered essential for the electricity supply in southern Chile.
