Chile approves 1,358 MW solar pipeline with 15.4 GWh storage capacity in latest permitting wave

Chile’s Environmental Evaluation Service approved 17 solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage projects between August 1 and October 9, 2026, representing 1,358.12 MWp of identified DC capacity plus two additional projects totaling 170 MWac and 9 MW nominal injection capacity reported separately. The combined portfolio includes at least 15,370.65 MWh of storage across eleven projects, though additional battery capacity exists in projects where energy specifications could not be verified in current documentation. Declared investments for the 17 initiatives total approximately $3.97 billion.

The largest approval went to Ckoirama Solar, developed by CI GMF II La Negra ProjectCo, which received favorable environmental qualification on October 6 for 420.6 MW of installed photovoltaic capacity and 300 MWac nominal output in Antofagasta region. The project will deploy 584,118 bifacial 720-watt modules with single-axis trackers and 74 inverters, incorporating modular batteries at transformation centers. A 33/220 kV substation and 17.6-kilometer transmission line will connect to the Liqcau substation. The declared investment stands at $500 million.

Sidon Solar received environmental approval on September 29 for 158.17 MWdc capacity using 218,160 725-watt modules and a 1,296 MWh storage system composed of 324 Huawei Luna2000 units, spanning Cabrero in Biobío and Pemuco in Ñuble. A 220 kV line extending 5.7 kilometers will link the facility to the Entre Ríos substation. The $100 million project adds to the storage-heavy pipeline concentrated in central and southern regions.

Pampino, administratively held by Pampino Solar and originally developed by Zelestra before incorporation into Promigas’ portfolio, secured favorable environmental decision from Tarapacá’s commission on September 28. Located in Pozo Almonte, the project specifies 170 MWac solar generation and 1,020 MWh BESS capacity, requiring two 220 kV lines and a sectioning substation for connection to the Lagunas-Collahuasi line. Investment reaches $263 million.

Monterrico Solar obtained environmental approval on September 28 in Ñuble region with 248.73 MWp installed capacity across 404,433 615-watt modules and 200 MW nominal output. The battery system will provide 200 MW and 1,200 MWh with six hours of storage duration, evacuating through approximately 12.3 kilometers of transmission infrastructure. Investment totals $306 million.

Storage capacity declarations across the approved portfolio include Lo Prado at 2,709.12 MWh, Peuco at 2,400 MWh, Kanut at 1,906 MWh, and Imilac at 1,800 MWh. The concentration of multi-hour storage systems reflects evolving market requirements for dispatchable renewable capacity as Chile’s grid reaches higher instantaneous penetration levels of variable generation.