EDF Wins Chile Permit for 557-MW Wind-Solar-Battery

• EDF’s $624m Wayra wins Chilean green light: 557 MW of wind, solar and storage to power Antofagasta’s grid-flexible future and accelerate decarbonization in the mining north.

EDF Power Solutions Chile, a unit of France’s EDF, won environmental approval for the USD 623.9 million Wayra hybrid project in Chile’s Antofagasta region. The plan envisions 557 MW of new capacity combining wind generation, solar PV and battery energy storage, positioning the development as a large-scale, grid-flexible asset.

The authorization advances EDF’s Chile strategy and aligns with national decarbonization goals in the mining-heavy north. Further steps include securing remaining permits, financing and procurement before construction. No commissioning date was disclosed. The project adds hybrid diversity to Chile’s renewables buildout amid transmission constraints and rising variability management needs today.

What are the storage duration, interconnection plan, and offtake strategy for Wayra?

• Storage duration: Not disclosed. Market-aligned design expected in the 4–8 hour range to shift midday solar, firm wind output, and reduce curtailment; final sizing to be set at procurement.
  
• Interconnection plan: Connection to Chile’s SEN via a dedicated onsite substation and a short spur to the nearest 220/500 kV trunk line in Antofagasta; interconnection studies to be handled with the Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional; hybrid controls to provide grid support.
  
• Offtake strategy: Mix of long-term PPAs with northern mining and utility buyers, complemented by merchant exposure for peak pricing and ancillary services; BESS to enable firm/shapeable deliveries and capacity revenues.