Container energy storage project financing options in Chile 2026

When will large-scale energy storage projects go online in Chile?

The Chilean authorities plan to hold the first procurement exercise for large-scale storage projects in 2024, with the first systems expected to go online in 2026. The president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, has said that the government is now preparing a bill to establish a tender mechanism for large-scale energy storage facilities.

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.

Is Chile preparing a tender mechanism for large-scale energy storage facilities?

The president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, has said that the government is now preparing a bill to establish a tender mechanism for large-scale energy storage facilities. The measure aims to maximize the use of renewable energy generated in the northern part of the country.

How much energy will Chile have by 2026?

According to estimates of the national electric system of Chile (SEN) cited by Americas Market Intelligence, the country will have 13.2 GWh/ 2 GW (6–8-hour duration) of operating energy storage by 2026. The northern regions of Antofagasta and Atacama account for nearly 5GW of the BESS pipeline.

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 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.