Technical Visit: Natural Gas, Energy Security, and System Flexibility

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Program Update (July 2026):

Due to operational circumstances at one of the originally scheduled facilities, the technical visit has been updated. The revised program now includes a visit to Colbún's National System Operations Center in Santiago, where participants will observe the real-time coordination of one of Chile's largest and most diversified generation portfolios. We believe this change provides equally valuable technical experience for conference participants.

GNL Quintero LNG Terminal & Colbún National System Operations Center

The 47th IAEE International Conference is pleased to offer an exclusive technical visit to two of Chile's most strategic energy assets: the GNL Quintero LNG Terminal and Colbún's National System Operations Center.

This full-day technical tour provides participants with a unique opportunity to examine firsthand the infrastructure, technologies, and operational practices that support electricity reliability, fuel security, and system flexibility in one of Latin America's most dynamic energy markets.

Participants will learn how Chile developed its LNG infrastructure following the regional natural gas supply disruptions of the 2000s and how natural gas continues to play a critical role in supporting renewable energy integration, power system resilience, and energy security. The visit also offers a unique opportunity to observe how one of Chile's leading power generation companies monitors and coordinates the real-time operation of its nationwide generation portfolio within a power system characterized by high renewable energy penetration.

The program combines technical presentations by senior industry professionals with guided visits to key operational facilities, offering a practical perspective on the interaction between fuel supply infrastructure, electricity generation, and real-time system operations.

Highlights

GNL Quintero LNG Terminal (334,000 m³ LNG Storage Capacity)

Visit hosted by GNL Quintero in collaboration with IAEE 2026 Chile.

Chile's first LNG import terminal and a cornerstone of the country's energy security strategy.

Participants will learn about:

• LNG infrastructure and terminal operations
• Chile's energy security strategy
• LNG supply chains and logistics
• The role of LNG in electricity generation and industrial energy supply
• The contribution of LNG to energy transition and system resilience

Colbún National System Operations Center

Visit hosted by Colbún through the Colbún–Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Energy Transition Chair (Cátedra Transición Energética Colbún UC), in collaboration with IAEE 2026 Chile.

Located at Colbún's Corporate Headquarters in Santiago, the National System Operations Center coordinates the real-time operation of the company's portfolio of 28 power generation facilities distributed across Chile.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Visit Colbún's National System Operations Center
• Observe the real-time coordination of generation assets
• Learn how thermal, hydroelectric, solar, and wind generation are integrated within Chile's National Electric System
• Attend the technical presentation:
  "Operating Thermal Generation Assets in a Power System with High Renewable Energy Penetration: Challenges and Lessons from Chile."

Tentative Schedule

07:45 – Departure from Santiago

09:30 – 12:30 – GNL Quintero LNG Terminal

• Safety induction
• Technical presentations
• Guided tour of terminal facilities

12:30 – 14:00 – Lunch and transfer

16:00 – 17:40 – Colbún Corporate Headquarters

• Visit to the National System Operations Center
• Coffee break
• Technical presentation
• Discussion and Q&A

17:40 – End of the technical visit

Registration Information

Participation is strictly limited due to operational, security, and safety requirements.

• Capacity is initially limited to 25 participants, including conference technical coordinators and support staff.
• Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Participation is confirmed only upon completion of payment.
• If demand exceeds the initial capacity, an additional group may be organized, subject to operational availability and confirmation by the host organizations.
• Transportation from Santiago, lunch, technical presentations, refreshments, and site access are included in the registration fee.

Registration Fee

USD 100 per person

How to Register

To reserve a place, participants must register and complete payment through the Conference Registration Portal.

Please note that registrations will only be confirmed upon receipt of payment. Once the initial capacity is reached, additional registrations may be placed on a waiting list and accommodated in an additional group if sufficient demand exists and operational conditions allow.

Safety Requirements

Participants must wear:

• Closed-toe shoes
• Long pants
• Long-sleeve shirt or jacket

Additional personal protective equipment required for the terminal visit will be provided on site.

Final schedules, transportation details, safety requirements, and operational arrangements will be communicated directly to registered participants prior to the visit.