Chile has formally adopted a new energy plan aimed at improving energy security and growing the contribution made to its energy system by renewables.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and members of her government signed off on the Energy 2050 plan at the end of December. It sets a goal of generating 70 per cent of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2050, as well as targets for reducing blackouts and increasing access to electricity across the country.

Bachelet said: "Chile is a mature country, with capacity to confront great challenges and meet the challenges we can and make the necessary changes so that the country can emerge stronger. As a government we must act … and do what it takes to have a better future tomorrow today."

Chilean energy minister Maximo Pacheco said that the energy plan would "build a shared vision for the future development" of Chile’s energy sector using the right social, political and technical support.