Chilean energy giant Enel Chile has launched a hybrid solar power plant with an energy storage system
Chilean energy giant Enel Chile has begun commercial operation of its cutting-edge hybrid power plant, Don Humberto, which combines solar energy with an innovative BESS (Battery Energy Storage System). Located in the Santiago metropolitan region, the plant marks a significant step in Chile’s energy transformation.
High Capacity and Environmental Benefits
The solar component of the Don Humberto plant has a net installed capacity of 81 MW, capable of generating approximately 188 GWh of electricity annually. This is enough to power around 80,000 Chilean households. Additionally, the project will help avoid emissions of over 148,000 tons of CO2 per year, equivalent to removing 32,000 cars from the roads for a year. This highlights the importance of the initiative in the fight against climate change.
Energy Storage for Greater Flexibility
A key element of Don Humberto’s innovation is the 67 MW energy storage system, which can store energy for two hours. The BESS system manages around 43 GWh of energy annually, delivering it during peak demand hours or when solar energy resources are limited. This solution ensures greater stability for the national electricity grid (SEN) and flexibility in managing energy supply.
Second Such Venture by Enel Chile
Don Humberto is Enel Chile’s second industrial hybrid renewable energy unit launched in the metropolitan region. The project was developed by the company’s renewable energy division, Enel Green Power Chile, which is actively advancing the mission of sustainable energy development in the country.
Giuseppe Turchiarelli, CEO of Enel Chile, emphasized the importance of regulatory support for technologies like energy storage systems, which help reduce system costs and improve energy management. “Solutions like Don Humberto allow us to strengthen our energy network, delivering clean energy where it’s needed most, while also supporting our energy transformation.”
The Importance of the Project for Chile
The Don Humberto project aligns with the national strategy to increase the share of renewable energy in Chile’s energy mix. With innovative solutions like hybrid power plants and BESS systems, Chile is not only advancing toward its climate goals but also improving energy security and grid stability.
Don Humberto is an example of how modern technologies can support energy transformation, combining efficiency, ecology, and economics in a single project. Its launch is another step toward a more sustainable energy future for the region.
Source: energy-box.com