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Emission Standards

Chile: Generator Sets

National Emission Standards

National emissions limits for generator sets were established 2021.09 [5734]. These limits, Table 1 to Table 3, become effective from 2023.09 and are tightened for some engine categories from 2025.09.

Starting 2023.09, limits are based on EU Stage IIIA/EPA Tier 3 and Tier 2 nonroad, EPA Tier 2 marine and IMO Tier III standards. Staring 2025.09, limits for engines with rated power > 130 kW and engine displacement < 30 L/cylinder are tightened to those based on EU Stage IV/EPA Tier 4 nonroad and EPA Tier 4 marine standards.

Generator sets that operate in areas without access to the national grid and whose main use is to supply residential customers are exempted. The decree defines a new generator set as one that is imported after 24 months, and an existing generator set as one that was imported prior to 24 months from the entry into force of the decree.

Table 1
Emission limits for new generator sets with rated power below 560 kW
DateMaximum PowerCONMHCNMHC+NOxNOxPM
kWg/kWh
2023.0919 ≤ P < 375.5-7.5-0.6
37 ≤ P < 755-4.7-0.4
75 ≤ P < 1305-4-0.3
130 ≤ P < 5603.5-4-0.2
2025.09130 ≤ P < 5603.50.19-0.40.02
Table 2
Emission limits for new generator sets with rated power ≥ 560 kW and engine displacement < 30 L/cylinder
DateDisplacementMaximum PowerCONMHCNMHC+NOxNOxPM
L/cyl.kWg/kWh
2023.09d < 10P ≥ 5603.5-6.4-0.2
10 ≤ d < 15P ≥ 5605-7.8-0.27
15 ≤ d < 20560 ≤ P < 33005-8.7-0.5
P ≥ 33005-9.8-0.5
20 ≤ d < 25P ≥ 5605-9.8-0.5
25 ≤ d < 30P ≥ 5605-11-0.5
2025.09d < 10P ≥ 5603.50.19-0.670.03
10 ≤ d < 30560 ≤ P < 37005-1.8-0.04
P ≥ 37005-1.8-0.06
Table 3
Emission limits for new generator sets with rated power ≥ 560 kW and engine displacement ≥ 30 L/cylinder
DateMax. PowerMax. Engine SpeedNOxPM
kWrpmg/kWh
2023.09P ≥ 560n < 1303.40.15
130 ≤ n < 20009 × n-0.20
2000 ≤ n2.0

Santiago Metropolitan Region

Prior to the implantation of the national standards, generator set emissions for the Santiago Metropolitan Region were limited by regulations defining PM emission limits for stationary sources, Table 4. The limits applied to generator sets rated at 20 kW or more electrical output. Emissions were to be measured at rated conditions, converted to standard conditions (25°C and 1 atm) and corrected to 5% O2 by volume.

Table 4
Emission limits for generator sets in the Santiago Metropolitan Region
Nominal Power, PPM LimitApplicationFrequency of Certification
P < 300 kW56 mg/Nm3Continuous / Prime PowerEvery 3 years
EmergencyCertification not required
P ≥ 300 kW112 mg/Nm3Continuous / Prime PowerEvery 1 year
EmergencyCertification required only once

In situations of poor ambient air quality, sources with PM emissions greater than 32 mg/Nm3 (28 mg/Nm3 if air quality is exceptionally bad) are not allowed to operate.

Prior to the national standard, several efforts to tighten the limits in the Santiago Metropolitan Region were made. For example, in November 2006, a draft regulation was published in Chile’s national gazette that would set emission limits in the Santiago Metropolitan Region for new and existing stand-by and emergency electricity generator sets of 20 kW or more electrical output, powered by internal combustion engines (Table 5). However, the final rule was never published and the proposal was abandoned. Efforts to implement EU Stage IIIA/EPA Tier 2 nonroad standards in the Santiago Metropolitan Region were also made in the mid-2010s.

Table 5
Proposed emission standards for generator sets in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, mg/Nm3
ApplicationNominal Power, PPMNOxCOTHC
Existing GeneratorsPrime Power20 kW ≤ P < 300 kW45 5,000600400
P ≥ 300 kW5 5,000600400
EmergencyP ≥ 150 kW180 -- -
New GeneratorsPrime Power20 kW ≤ P < 300 kW45 2,900600400
P ≥ 300 kW52,900600 400
EmergencyP ≥ 20 kW752,900600400