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Engie powers up $64mn battery project in Chile to boost solar reliability
Engie powers up $64mn battery project in Chile to boost solar
About this update from Engie S.a.
Engie has advanced its renewable energy strategy in Chile by energising a large-scale battery storage system designed to stabilise solar power output in the Atacama Desert. The BESS Los Loros project, located in the Atacama region alongside a photovoltaic park in Tierra Amarilla , features 46MW of installed capacity and storage of 230MWh. Backed by an investment of $64mn , the system is intended to store excess solar generation during daylight hours and dispatch it into the grid during periods of peak demand. The project has now entered its pre-operational phase, with commercial operations expected in the second half of 2026. Company officials said the milestone reflects a broader effort to improve flexibility in Chile’s electricity system, where renewable generation has expanded rapidly in recent years. Battery storage is becoming increasingly central to managing intermittency in solar-heavy markets such as Chile , particularly in northern regions where irradiation levels are among the highest globally. By shifting energy supply to periods of higher consumption, such systems help reduce curtailment and enhance grid efficiency. The Los Loros facility uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, known for its safety and performance characteristics. It forms part of a wider storage portfolio being developed by Engie in the country, including projects such as BESS Arica, BESS Lile and BESS Kallpa, alongside hybrid solar-plus-storage initiatives. These systems typically offer around five hours of discharge capacity, supporting grid stability and enabling greater penetration of renewable energy sources. As Chile continues to transition its energy matrix, investments in storage infrastructure are expected to play a critical role in ensuring reliability and long-term sustainability. © 2026 bne IntelliNews, source Magazine