Is Chile suitable for energy storage power stations

Are battery energy storage systems a viable alternative for Chilean power producers?

With transmission lines at overcapacity and permitting delays slowing the development of new grid infrastructure, battery energy storage systems (BESS) have surged as a profitable alternative for Chilean power producers.

What kind of energy does Chile use?

Chile has the potential to run exclusively on renewable generation, with an estimated energy mix of 46% solar, 31% wind, 12% hydroelectric, and 8% flexible natural gas power plants, as well as 23% of battery storage capacity. The remaining 2% is split between biomass, geothermal, and other less common energy sources.

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.

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.

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”.