The Health Benefits of Solar Power Generation: Evidence from Chile

Nathaly Rivera, Elisheba Spiller and J. Cristobal Ruiz-Tagle

Working Papers from University of Chile, Department of Economics

Abstract: Renewable energy can yield social benefits through local air quality improvements and their subsequent effects on human health. We estimate some of these benefits using data gathered during the rapid adoption of large-scale solar power generation in Chile over the last decade. Relying on exogenous variation from incremental solar generation capacity over time, we find that solar energy displaces fossil fuel generation, primarily coal-fired generation, and curtails hospital admissions, particularly those due to lower respiratory diseases. These effects are noted mostly in cities downwind of displaced fossil fuel generation and are present across the most vulnerable age groups. Our results document the existence of an additional channel through which renewable energy can increase social welfare.

Pages: 77 pages
Date: 2022-11
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ene, nep-env and nep-lam
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Related works:
Journal Article: The health benefits of solar power generation: Evidence from Chile (2024)
Working Paper: The Health Benefits of Solar Power Generation: Evidence from Chile (2021)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:udc:wpaper:wp540

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