Commercial Operation started for 638 MWh Battery Energy Storage system in Chile

ENGIE obtained approval from the National Electricity Coordinator (CEN) to start commercial operation of 638 MWh Battery Energy Storage system (BESS) located in the Antofagasta Region, Chile.

The facility has a storage capacity of 638 MWh, with 139 MW of installed capacity. It is co-located with the 180 MWac Coya PV solar plant and uses lithium batteries to store the renewable energy generated by the solar plant.

Paulo Almirante, ENGIE Senior Executive Vice President Renewables & Energy Management, said: "The development of flexibility solutions such as Battery Energy Storage Systems will play a major role in integrating renewable energies and accelerating the energy transition while guaranteeing the efficiency, reliability and security of energy systems.” 

Through its 232 modules, BESS Coya's installed capacity will enable to store the equivalent of five hours of electricity and inject it into the grid during peak periods, representing the delivery of 200 GWh on average per year. It will also play an important environmental role by supplying enough green energy for around 100,000 homes, thereby avoiding the emission of 65,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, which is equivalent to removing around 22,000 internal combustion vehicles from circulation.