07 Mar Corfo receives four applications to develop the Chilean Institute of Clean Technologies in Antofagasta

Pablo Terrazas, executive vice president of the entity, stated that “it is great news that, despite the difficult moment we are experiencing worldwide, there are robust consortiums interested in developing this institute that will undoubtedly mark a before and after in our country” .

Corfo closed the application process to develop the Chilean Institute of Clean Technologies (ITL, for its acronym in spanish) in the Antofagasta region, receiving four proposals from different consortia, seeking to promote solar energy, sustainable mining, and advanced materials of lithium and other minerals.

The initiative, as a result of the agreement signed between Corfo and SQM Salar, represents a contribution of resources of up to US$ 193 million in 10 years and will become the country’s largest R&D investment in this area. By 2030 it will be a worldwide technological reference in its specialization issues, and a center of innovation and entrepreneurship with a global reach, which will capture value for the regional and national economy, making the most out of the unique conditions of the Atacama Desert, this is what they highlighted from the development entity.

Pablo Terrazas, executive vice president of Corfo, stated that “it is great news that, despite the difficult moment we are experiencing worldwide, there are robust consortiums interested in developing this center that will undoubtedly mark a before and after in our country. We are convinced that through innovation we can generate the greatest opportunities to reactivate our economy with the development of new productive sectors, such as green hydrogen, by increasing the value of our natural resources, along with sustainable growth.”

All proposals must undergo an admissibility analysis and, subsequently, if admissible, an evaluation. Then, based on the evaluation results, the Corfo Council will decide on the entity that will receive the contribution, hopefully, at the end of May this year.

Source: Minería Chilena.