why wind energy has not been adopted more quickly.
One being unfamiliarity with the technology. Some feel that because wind energy is only produced when the wind is blowing hard enough that it is therefore unreliable. In fact we have seen that wind energy often is highest in the dry season when hydro dams are running low on water. In this case wind therefore reinforces the hydro system. Another way to look at wind energy is that it is a cost effective way to reduce the fuel costs for the diesel power plants. Another technology that Chile is looking to is solar water heaters. UNEP is in discussion with the National Energy Commission on ways to stimulate the solar water heating market which would also reduce dependence on natural gas.
