Chile's Itahue‑Hualqui Transmission Line Gets Pre‑Construction Boost in Itata

The 407‑km Itahue‑Hualqui high‑voltage transmission line, a project of Spanish firm Celeo, is moving into pre‑construction in Chile’s central region. A strategic branch will be installed in Itata Province, covering the communes of Cobquecura, Coelemu, Quirihue and Trehuaco, to strengthen the lagging transmission network in Ñuble.

Valued at US$324 million, the project is the second‑largest transmission investment in the country. After an environmental rejection by the SEA in November 2024, the Committee of Ministers approved it with conditions in June 2025, allowing work to proceed while additional administrative permits and sectoral approvals remain pending.

Regional Energy Minister Cristian Jaque said the line will increase national grid capacity, reduce existing bottlenecks and facilitate integration of new generation and renewable energy projects.