- The panel was moderated by the journalist of the Media Affairs Directorate at Universidad Austral de Chile, Víctor Godoi, with the presence of researchers María Teresa Cerda, and Leopoldo Soto.
Chao Combustibles Fósiles: Otras Fuentes de Energía para Chile (Bye Fossil Fuels: Other Energy Sources for Chile) was the name of the first panel of the series Voces Ciudadanas (Citizens’ Voices), which took place this Wednesday at the CECs Tent. The event’s guests were Fraunhofer Chile Foundation researcher María Teresa Cerda, and Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission researcher Leopoldo Soto.
At the event, organized together with PAR Explora Los Ríos, the main topic discussed was the urgency of finding clean alternatives to fight the climate change crisis, and the need for creating a diversified, and efficient energy matrix in Chile. To that end, the conversation delved into the challenges presented by options that have the sun, and the atom at their core.
From her personal experience in Spain, researcher María Teresa Cerda explained the advantages of solar energy, the kinds of technology available for its generation, and the peerless conditions our country presents to develop it.
In turn, physicist Leopoldo Soto expounded on nuclear energy, and why it is a viable, clean, and safe alternative to feed 10% to the energy matrix in Chile. Likewise, he took the opportunity to demystify the misinformation existing around this source of energy, pointing out that Chile’s geological conditions do not constitute a hazard for reactor installation.
Both panelists coincided on the need in Chile for an energy grid that is based on diversification, according to the needs and opportunities the country offers.
The Voces Ciudadanas panel series was conceived as a space for discussion and expression regarding issues that are relevant to the citizenry. It is an instance that aims at broadening the boundaries of reflection around topics of political, social, scientific, and cultural interest, together with guests of local and national relevance.
Voces Ciudadanas continues on Thursday, with the panel entitled KAWIN. The right to live in a pollution-free environment: regional experiences, and challenges, organized by the National Human Rights Institute, at 6pm, in the CECs Tent. Admittance is free of charge.
