In parallel, the BESS Huañil plant in Salamanca, Choapa province, secured environmental approval for a $188 million project. With a capacity of 200 MW and energy storage of 1,000 MWh, it includes a dedicated step-up substation and a 2.47 km transmission line connecting to the Centella substation. With a 37-year projected lifespan, this facility aims to inject stored energy into the SEN during peak demand, enhancing grid reliability. Construction is expected to generate up to 40 jobs.
Since 2022, Coquimbo has seen 18 approved power generation projects adding 1,830 MW of capacity and $2.035 billion in investment. Regional authorities highlight the critical role of BESS in aligning with the national coordinator’s operational requirements, mitigating energy curtailment, and optimizing renewable energy utilization. Chile’s recent electricity crisis in April 2025 has further accelerated regulatory measures to bolster system resilience and streamline approvals for storage facilities, as outlined in the November 2025 Real Decreto 997/2025. The integration of these large-scale lithium battery systems in Coquimbo aligns with national priorities to strengthen the grid’s flexibility amid growing renewable penetration.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
