Chile s energy-saving new energy storage

In March 2024, BESS Coya, the largest battery-based energy storage system in Latin America, started operations. The facility is located in the Antofagasta region and has a storage capacity of 638 MWh, with 139 MW of installed capacity. [pdf]

FAQS about Chile s energy-saving new energy storage

Will Chile be able to develop energy storage projects in 2024?

In 2022, Chile passed an energy storage and electromobility bill, which made stand-alone storage projects profitable, but the market is still expecting new rules on capacity payment for storage projects, which are to be approved in 2024. Chile has also put in place an auction procedure to award public land for the development of BESS projects.

How many energy storage projects are in Chile?

Currently, 36 of the 129 large-scale projects Latin America projects with an energy storage component under development are in Chile, including 32 out of 71 of the region’s early works projects. The storage technologies either in use or being considered include:

How can Chile keep up with the changing energy demand landscape?

Chile is exploring a variety of solutions to keep abreast of the changing energy demand landscape ranging from BESS to innovative projects using CO2. In March 2024, BESS Coya, the largest battery-based energy storage system in Latin America, started operations.

Where are Chile's battery energy storage facilities located?

Chile’s first battery energy storage projects were commissioned in 2009, and all but two of its 16 administrative regions have facilities in operation, under construction or in the planning stage. The greatest installed capacity is found in the northern regions of Antofagasta and Tarapacá, the country’s solar powerhouses.

How much battery storage capacity does Chile have?

According to data from Acera, the Chilean Renewable Energy Association, there are only 64MW of battery storage capacity currently active, representing 0.2% of national capacity. AES Andes, a subsidiary of U.S. company AES Corp. operates all 64MW at their Angamos and Los Andes substations.

Will Chile support the energy transition?

A spokesperson for Engie Group told Dialogue Earth that Chile is seen as one of its strategic countries for supporting the energy transition, which “entails the investment of USD 1.8 billion by 2027. Our plan in Chile considers incorporating 1.4 GW to reach 2 GW of installed capacity in clean energy, including 2 GWh in storage systems”.

Chile s new energy storage installed capacity

The net installed storage capacity in operation in Chile reached 404 MW/1,602 MWh in June 2024, according to the latest figures released by the country’s Ministry of Energy. That capacity is mainly concentrated in Antofagasta. [pdf]

FAQS about Chile s new energy storage installed capacity

How many energy storage projects are in Chile?

Currently, 36 of the 129 large-scale projects Latin America projects with an energy storage component under development are in Chile, including 32 out of 71 of the region’s early works projects. The storage technologies either in use or being considered include:

Where are Chile's battery energy storage facilities located?

Chile’s first battery energy storage projects were commissioned in 2009, and all but two of its 16 administrative regions have facilities in operation, under construction or in the planning stage. The greatest installed capacity is found in the northern regions of Antofagasta and Tarapacá, the country’s solar powerhouses.

How much battery storage capacity does Chile have?

According to data from Acera, the Chilean Renewable Energy Association, there are only 64MW of battery storage capacity currently active, representing 0.2% of national capacity. AES Andes, a subsidiary of U.S. company AES Corp. operates all 64MW at their Angamos and Los Andes substations.

Is lithium ion battery storage available in Chile?

While many projects are under development, lithium - ion battery storage is still limited. According to data from Acera, the Chilean Renewable Energy Association, there are only 64MW of battery storage capacity currently active, representing 0.2% of national capacity.

Does Engie Chile have a lithium-ion battery storage system?

Engie Chile, meanwhile, has two lithium-ion battery storage systems in operation, with a total capacity of 141 MW. At the beginning of next year, the company will inaugurate a 264 megawatt-hour, 96-battery facility, taking its total BESS portfolio in Chile to 371 MW.

Will Chile's storage capacity double in 2032?

The energy ministry spokesperson told Dialogue Earth that the country’s environmental assessment body is currently assessing the viability of 300 more storage projects, with a total capacity of 16 GW. According to some projections, between 2026 and 2032, Chile’s total storage capacity could double to 4 GW.

Chile s new energy storage ratio requirements

Between 2023 and 2030, 5.9 GW and 24.7 GWh of energy storage is forecast to be installed: • Chile’s administration considers storage strategic for the country’s goals (at least 60% of renewables by 2030, 100% by 2050). It proposed a law to allow the tender of 2 GW of BESS at a $2 billion cost. [pdf]

FAQS about Chile s new energy storage ratio requirements

Does Chile have a capacity payment system?

Since 1982, the Chilean market has recognized capacity payment for plants that contribute adequacy to the electrical system. With Law 20.936 of 2016, the existence of energy storage systems (Energy Storage Systems or SAE) and hybrid energy systems (Renewable Plants with Storage Capacity or CRCA) was recognized in the law.

Will Chile be able to develop energy storage projects in 2024?

In 2022, Chile passed an energy storage and electromobility bill, which made stand-alone storage projects profitable, but the market is still expecting new rules on capacity payment for storage projects, which are to be approved in 2024. Chile has also put in place an auction procedure to award public land for the development of BESS projects.

Will Chile achieve a 100% renewable grid by 2050?

Chile’s goal to achieve 80% renewable grid by 2030 and a 100% zero emissions grid by 2050, will require an estimated 2,000 MW of energy storage every 10 years.

How many energy storage projects are in Chile?

Currently, 36 of the 129 large-scale projects Latin America projects with an energy storage component under development are in Chile, including 32 out of 71 of the region’s early works projects. The storage technologies either in use or being considered include:

How much battery storage capacity does Chile have?

According to data from Acera, the Chilean Renewable Energy Association, there are only 64MW of battery storage capacity currently active, representing 0.2% of national capacity. AES Andes, a subsidiary of U.S. company AES Corp. operates all 64MW at their Angamos and Los Andes substations.

Will new solar assets in Chile have storage components?

New utility-scale renewable and PMGE assets in Chile (most of which are distributed solar plants smaller than 9 MW) will likely all have storage components moving forward.