Enel Chile Launches 67-MW Battery Storage at Solar Farm

• Enel Chile's groundbreaking 67-MW battery system will power 75,000 homes, boosting renewable energy stability in Santiago. A significant leap for sustainable energy!

Enel Chile is set to commence commercial operations of its 67-MW/134-MWh El Manzano battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, following successful tests and grid operator approval. This project marks the completion of the company's first energy cluster in Chile's capital, which includes the BESS and a co-located 99-MW solar farm that began operating earlier this year.

Together, the El Manzano BESS and solar farm are expected to inject approximately 226 GWh of electricity into the grid annually, enough to power around 75,000 homes. The BESS will enhance the stability of the electricity system by providing essential frequency regulation services, consistent with Enel Chile's strategy to expand renewable energy and storage near major consumption areas.

How will El Manzano BESS and solar farm impact energy stability in Santiago?

• Increased Renewable Energy Penetration: The El Manzano BESS and solar farm will significantly contribute to the integration of renewable energy sources into Santiago’s energy mix. With the growing demand for cleaner energy, this project supports the local and national goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Enhanced Grid Resilience: By storing energy generated during peak sunlight hours, the BESS can release stored power during periods of high demand or low generation, thereby enhancing overall grid resilience. This capability is crucial for managing fluctuations in supply and demand.
• Support for Peak Demand Management: The storage system will enable better management of peak energy loads. This means that during times of high electricity consumption, the BESS can discharge electricity, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based peaker plants and improving energy reliability for consumers.
• Economic Benefits: The operation of the solar farm and BESS can potentially lower electricity costs for consumers in Santiago. By utilizing stored renewable energy, the overall costs associated with electricity generation can be reduced, benefiting residential and commercial users alike.
• Creation of Local Jobs: The construction, operation, and maintenance of the El Manzano facility are likely to stimulate job creation in the region, contributing positively to the local economy and providing skilled employment opportunities.
• Promotion of Energy Independence: The project enhances Santiago's energy independence by decreasing reliance on imported fossil fuels. By harnessing local renewable resources, the region can achieve greater self-sufficiency in its energy supply.
• Reduction of Carbon Footprint: The shift towards solar energy and battery storage technologies will significantly cut carbon emissions associated with energy generation, aligning with global climate targets and helping to combat climate change.
• Educational Opportunities: The El Manzano project may offer opportunities for community engagement and education around renewable energy technologies, fostering a better understanding of sustainable practices among residents and encouraging further initiatives in renewable energy.
• Potential for Future Replication: The successful implementation of this energy cluster could serve as a model for similar projects throughout Chile and beyond, encouraging further investment and development in renewable energy infrastructure.
• Regulatory Support and Innovation: This project may also catalyze further advancements in energy storage solutions and drive regulatory support for innovative energy projects in the region, fostering a more proactive approach to energy management and sustainability initiatives.

These factors collectively represent a significant step towards achieving a more stable and sustainable energy system in Santiago, paving the way for further advancements in renewable technologies and infrastructure.