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.

Why is e-storage delivering a major project in Chile?

Colin Parkin, President of e-STORAGE, stated: “We are pleased to extend our energy storage expertise through the delivery of our first major project in Chile, supporting the government’s ambitious goal of getting 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050.

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.

How much does a battery cost in Chile?

In fact, batteries charged at nearly $0/MWh during the day in the sunny, northern desert regions of Chile, sell energy at night for over $100/MWh. Although projects such as Engie’s BESS Coya are already enjoying these large spreads, this capacity payment will partially de-risk Chile’s dependence on volatile, but still profitable, merchant revenues.

Do Chilean co-located storage assets need an environmental impact statement?

Since Chilean co-located storage assets don’t require an Environmental Impact Statement (known locally as the DIA), development times for storage assets have been cut in half compared to solar or wind assets.