Chile’s diverse geography results in varied heating and cooling needs across the country. The use of firewood as a primary source of heating, particularly in southern regions, contributes to high particulate emissions and public health costs. The need for multi-season temperature control increases costs for consumers. Heat pumps offer great potential to reduce energy costs, improve air quality and enable Chile to pursue its national objectives for energy poverty, reductions of local pollutants and decarbonization.

Chile has taken important steps to implement and accelerate heating policies, including the 2021 Heat and Cold Strategy. But existing efforts must be strengthened to accelerate heat pump adoption, particularly by overcoming high upfront costs and implementing targeted regional policies. In this report, RAP experts, Poullette Faraon Chaul and Alejandro Hernandez, explore the current opportunities and barriers to unlock the potential of heat pumps in Chile. They also examine how RAP’s Heat Pump Toolkit could provide a structured approach to accelerate heat pump adoption when tailored to Chile’s specific context. Unlocking the full potential of heat pump adoption requires targeted action in key areas which will ensure cleaner, more efficient heating solutions throughout Chile.