Institute of Clean Technologies (ITL) and progress of the request to declare the bidding process void

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“Como Consejo de Rectores de las Universidades Chilenas valoramos positivamente que este martes 26 de enero, la sala del Senado haya aprobado el proyecto de acuerdo por el que “se solicita al Presidente de la República tomar las medidas necesarias para declarar desierto el proceso de licitación para establecer el Instituto Chileno de Tecnologías Limpias, así como instruir, respecto de dicho procedimiento, una completa investigación administrativa destinada a determinar la existencia de irregularidades y eventuales responsables”.

We acknowledge the work and commitment of the group of senators who presented this initiative and that it was approved by a large majority, since it undoubtedly opens the possibility that CORFO's decision to award the tender for the Clean Energy Institute will be reversed. (ITL) to the North American consortium Associated Universities Inc. (AUI), and implement a new process that guarantees objectivity, transparency and fairness.

The result of the vote is a clear sign that the draft agreement has solid grounds to request that the bidding process be declared void due to possible legality defects, given the omissions and actions of CORFO in essential stages of the evaluation process of the proposals received.

As we expressed in the public statement of January 7, 2021, the Clean Energy Institute has an impact on the development of innovation in a strategic issue for the country, since its purpose is to promote solar energy, sustainable mining ( emissions) and advanced lithium and other mineral materials, with significant associated amounts ($ 193 million over 10 years). Consequently, it represents a unique and invaluable opportunity for the development of research, the strengthening of capacities for technology transfers and innovation and, ultimately, for the development of Chile.

We consider it essential that such a relevant decision for the country responds to a long-term development strategy that strengthens Chile's science and technology system; that validates and recognizes national capacities; that enhances the various territories and their natural resources; and that benefits society.

Esperamos que el futuro Instituto de Tecnologías Limpias, proyecto de desarrollo vinculado a la región de Antofagasta, favorezca una real política de fomento al desarrollo de capacidades propias del país y logre establecer voluntades sinérgicas entre la industria, la academia, la innovación de punta, la comunidad local y el vínculo con los territorios, de manera de ser verdaderos protagonistas del desarrollo tecnológico para la acción climática mundial a través del desarrollo del hidrógeno verde.”