Breakthrough BESS Technology in the Heart of the Desert
Chile has taken a historic step towards green energy transformation by inaugurating the largest standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) in Latin America. The 200 MW, 800 MWh investment was implemented in the municipality of María Elena, located in the Antofagasta region. The opening ceremony of the BESS del Desierto project was attended by Chilean Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow.
Innovative Solutions
The storage system is based on 320 batteries equipped with advanced liquid cooling technologies and PowerTitan control systems supplied by the Chinese manufacturer Sungrow. The installation spans over three hectares and is capable of delivering more than 280 GWh of clean energy annually to the power grid.
The project aims to reduce losses from transmission limitations—nearly 3 TWh of energy are wasted annually in northern Chile, half of which is solar energy. Thanks to BESS del Desierto, renewable energy can be better utilized, even with low solar generation.
Boost for E-Mobility and Employment
A key objective of the project is to support sustainable transportation. Under a 15-year PPA agreement with EMOAC, a subsidiary of the Chilean oil company COPEC, part of the energy will be used to power 27 electric bus terminals. The system has the potential to power nearly 2,500 electric buses, ensuring a total range of 500,000 kilometers.
Construction of the facility began last year, involving around 200 local workers from communities such as Calama and Tocopilla. One in four workers employed in the project is a woman, in line with Atlas Renewable Energy’s gender equality and social development policies.
Further Investments on the Horizon
Alongside BESS del Desierto, Atlas Renewable Energy is executing another ambitious project, Estepa, which plans to build a 215 MW solar farm and two energy storage installations with a combined capacity of 418 MW (with up to four hours of operation). The project is expected to commence commercial operation by the end of 2026 and is supported by PPA agreements with industry giants such as mining company Codelco and energy company Colbún.
The $510 million investment is financed by a consortium of international banks, including BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, DNB Bank, Scotiabank Chile, and SMBC.
The Future of Clean Energy in Latin America
Carlos Barrera, co-founder and CEO of Atlas Renewable Energy, emphasizes that “the real challenge is no longer proving the viability of renewable energy, but implementing it at a pace that matches the world’s needs.” Initiatives like BESS del Desierto are crucial for the future energy of the entire region and signal the expansion of similar projects in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.
By integrating advanced storage systems with large renewable energy sources, Chile is strengthening its position in South America, offering reliable, clean, and accessible energy for the future. More on sustainable development in the region can be found in our “2024 Year in Review.”
Source: batteryindustry.net