Are solar PV projects implementing energy storage capacity in Chile?

Operational solar PV projects in Chile are implementing energy storage capacity, with AES Andes reaching COD of a solar-plus-storage project this week. Image: AES Andes.

Is Chile ready for a standalone energy storage project?

This project alone nears the capacity (13GWh) the Chilean Ministry of Energy sought in a public land bidding auction for standalone energy storage projects in May of 2024. Chile has been one of the countries at the forefront of the renewable energy transition in Latin America, first with solar PV and now with BESS.

Why is energy storage important in Chile?

Image: Grenergy Grid constraints have prevented Chile from maximising the potential of its world-class solar resources. Energy storage has, therefore, become a necessity to ensure the financial viability of PV projects, writes Jonathan Tourino Jacobo.

Should energy storage be a luxury asset in Chile?

Having energy storage in Chile is no longer a luxury asset but has become an “absolute necessity”, explains Alejandro McDonough, business development manager of Americas area sales at Wärtsilä Energy Storage and Optimisation (Wärtsilä ES&O).

Does Chile need a nighttime electricity supply?

“Mining represents roughly 60% of the total energy consumption [in Chile]. Out of roughly 12GW, nearly 7-8GW comes from mining, all of which need to be supplied 24/7. There’s a lot of space [to supply with batteries],” explains McDonough. Rojas outlined the urgent need to decarbonise the nighttime electricity supply in Chile.

Is Chile ready for large co-located projects?

Appetite for large co-located projects is already present in Chile’s nascent market, notably Oasis de Atacama, one of the largest BESS projects being built globally, located in the Atacama region.