In Chile, ENGIE starts commercial operation of the largest Battery Energy Storage System in Latin America
ENGIE obtained approval from the National Electricity Coordinator (CEN) to start commercial operation of BESS Coya, the largest battery energy storage system in Latin America to date.
This system has a storage capacity of 638 MWh, with 139 MW of installed capacity. This co-located Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) technology uses lithium batteries to store the renewable energy generated by the Coya PV solar plant (180 MWac) based in the Antofagasta Region.
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.
“This project is fully in line with ENGIE’s ambition to accelerate the development of battery storage, with a target of 10 GW of installed capacity by 2030. 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.” explained Paulo Almirante, ENGIE Senior Executive Vice President Renewables & Energy Management.
At December 31, 2023, ENGIE already had globally 1.3 GW of battery capacity in operation and 3.6 GW secured under development.
