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Chile: Chile’s National Electric Coordinator has opened an international tender to construct two new transmission substations in the Ñuble region: Punilla in San Carlos and Quinchamalí in Chillán. The combined investment is estimated at $28.6 M, with a projected construction timeline of 48 months.

The projects are classified as urgent infrastructure under Exempt Decree No. 10/2026 from the Ministry of Energy and are designed to strengthen grid reliability, transmission capacity, and operational security in the region. The substations are expected to support local economic activity and future electricity demand.

Key tender milestones include site visits from 13–17 April 2026, a deadline for questions on 4 May, submission of bids by 24 June, technical bid opening on 25 June, and financial bid opening on 17 July. Tender documents and updates are available on the National Electric Coordinator’s website.

The bidding rules have been adjusted to improve competition, simplify processes, and reduce administrative and financial burdens for developers. These are the first projects tendered under Chile’s urgent transmission works programme, which aims to accelerate both tendering and construction.

Hugo Briones, Undersecretary of Energy, emphasised the significance of the initiative “We welcome the tender for the transmission works associated with the Punilla and Quinchamalí substations, which will strengthen the transmission system in these localities. This is essential, as improving the quality and continuity of electricity service is crucial for all residents of the region.”

Source: Strategic Energy

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