One of Latin America’s Largest Battery Projects Takes Shape

Spanish renewable developer ACCIONA Energía has started building a 1 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) at its Malgarida solar photovoltaic plant in Chile's Atacama Desert. The system will become one of Latin America's largest grid-scale energy storage facilities when it begins operation in early 2027.

How the Storage System Works

The battery installation is designed with 200 megawatts (MW) of power and 1 GWh of capacity, which enables it to provide maximum power output for a duration of five hours. The solar plant can store extra electricity generated during peak sunlight periods to use during nighttime and high-demand times. The system now provides continuous power through renewable sources which replace unsteady solar power generation.

Solar plants have started to combine their operations with battery storage systems. This industry trend has resulted in the development of solar-plus-storage hybrids, which enable operators to manage their fluctuating power production and better their grid performance.

Supporting Chile’s Renewable Ambitions

The power sector of Chile has experienced fast adoption of renewable energy sources because the country possesses strong solar resources and its government implements favorable policies. The Malgarida project of ACCIONA contributes to current energy trends by providing enhanced grid flexibility and stability for Chilean networks together with decreasing fossil fuel power plant requirements during nighttime and peak demand times.

ACCIONA operates a wide range of business activities in Chile which include multiple solar and wind power facilities that generate more than 100 megawatts of renewable energy capacity. The implementation of utility-scale storage systems will strengthen Chile's position as South America's leading nation for clean energy adoption.

Future Storage Plans and Regional Impact

ACCIONA Energía operates its battery projects in Chile through its Malgarida site while constructing 1.5 GWh of storage capacity at various photovoltaic facilities. The projects aim to distribute energy storage benefits which include peak demand management and reduced carbon emissions and increased renewable energy usage throughout the Chilean power grid.

Multiple companies pursue large battery energy storage system projects across Chilean energy infrastructure to improve grid flexibility and promote clean energy development which results in substantial storage capacity growth throughout the country.

Why This Matters

Modern renewable power grids require large-scale battery systems because these systems provide countries with solar power access during nighttime hours. The systems store solar energy produced during the day which helps maintain a steady power supply and reduces dependence on fossil fuels while achieving both worldwide climate objectives and energy reliability goals.