This push in storage directly addresses ramping challenges from surging solar and wind generation, which reached 72% of electricity production by November 2025. In this period, solar accounted for 30% of installed capacity and 30.7% by late 2024, with significant wind contributions as well. However, grid congestion and curtailments of renewable output have increased, with 6,000 GWh of curtailed energy reported in 2024 and anticipated to rise, underscoring the need for flexibility solutions. Battery storage alone could reduce curtailment by up to 40%, generating estimated annual system savings of $500 million.
In parallel, autonomous solar systems, especially in mining and critical infrastructure, are emerging swiftly, replacing diesel for remote lighting, communication, and safety operations, supported by lithium battery storage. The domestic manufacturing sector is adapting to local conditions, ensuring resilience and operational continuity in harsh environments. The national grid’s transmission expansion remains essential, with over 10,900 MW under construction but facing bottlenecks, notably between Charrúa and Puerto Montt, challenging the integration of growing renewables and storage assets.
Chile’s 2050 roadmap envisions over 6 GW of storage operational capacity, currently 81% realized, with strong momentum expected in the next five years. The country’s strategic focus on storage alongside solar and wind is critical to achieving carbon neutrality, ensuring energy security, and maintaining economic growth without fossil fuel dependency.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
