Chile registers 4.7 GW battery storage under construction as 2030 target reached four years ahead of schedule

Chile recorded 33 battery storage projects under construction totaling 4,705 MW and 19,223 MWh capacity as of June 2026, according to the Ministry of Energy’s latest construction report. The portfolio represents investments of $3.863 billion. An additional 27 battery systems totaling 2,524 MW and 11,773 MWh remain in testing phase, led by Grenergy’s 430 MW/3,010 MWh BESS Elena Phase I in María Elena and AES Andes’ 300 MW/900 MWh BESS Arenales.

The ministry reported operational storage capacity reached 2,071 MW by March 2026, more than double the 1,005 MW recorded in June 2025. The milestone exceeded Chile’s interim 2,000 MW target for 2030 by four years. With projects under construction and testing combined, the ministry projects the country will surpass its 6,000 MW 2050 storage target before the end of 2026 or early 2027. Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners commissioned the 220 MW/1,100 MWh Arena BESS in Taltal during June, marking continued deployment momentum.

Solar capacity under construction reached 2,051 MW across 45 generation projects totaling 2,624 MW, representing $2.206 billion in investment or 61 percent of all generation capital currently committed. Major hybrid projects nearing completion include AES Chile’s Cristales facility combining 400 MW solar with 340 MW/1,360 MWh storage in Antofagasta, scheduled for interconnection in July. AES Andes’ Pampas project adds 220 MW solar, 128 MW wind and 340 MW/1,360 MWh storage with commissioning also planned for July.

Atlas Renewable Energy is constructing the Copiapó Energía Solar project comprising 330 MW solar generation and 233 MW/932 MWh storage for August connection. Verano Energy’s Luna de Verano combines 82 MW solar with 300 MW/600 MWh storage for September grid entry. Additional systems under construction include Enel’s 200 MW/800 MWh BESS Las Salinas and AES Andes’ 150 MW/600 MWh Atacama II.

Solar capacity in testing reached 1,010 MW of the 1,507 MW total generation projects undergoing commissioning trials. Grenergy’s 220 MW Gabriela plant in Sierra Gorda leads testing capacity, followed by Atlas’ 202 MW Estepa Solar and Zelestra’s 187 MW Aurora Solar. Five small solar plants totaling 31 MW entered operation during June in the Ñuble, O’Higgins and Araucanía regions.

The National Energy Commission’s monthly report confirmed non-conventional renewable capacity reached 20,006 MW or 52 percent of Chile’s 38,173 MW installed base by May 2026. Solar generation contributed 1,825 GWh or 55.6 percent of renewable output during April, while wind added 1,071 GWh. Renewable generation accounted for 62 percent of total electricity production in March, with instantaneous renewable penetration peaking at 92.6 percent on March 1.