Korkia advances 1.55 GWh battery storage portfolio in Chile as Beltrán project reaches construction-ready status

Korkia’s standalone 750 MWh Beltrán battery energy storage system in Valparaíso Region has reached ready-to-build status, clearing the project for construction. The system, located near La Pólvora substation, is being developed in partnership with Solar Ray. The project represents one component of Korkia’s expanding Chilean storage portfolio, which totals 1.55 GWh across two developments announced in September 2026.

The company also confirmed environmental approval for Mellizas, a 218 MW solar plant with 800 MWh of co-located battery storage in Ñuble Region. Developed with Chilean partner Ciudad Luz, the hybrid project will occupy approximately 300 hectares in Pemuco and is described by Korkia as among the largest photovoltaic developments in the municipality. The environmental permit allows the company to advance toward subsequent development phases, though construction timelines were not disclosed.

Rodrigo Ackermann, Korkia’s vice president for Latin America, stated the projects demonstrate the strategic role energy storage will play in building a more flexible and resilient energy system while enabling continued renewable growth in Chile. The positioning reflects Chile’s market leadership in Latin American battery storage, with the country accounting for two-thirds of regional capacity according to OLACDE technical note 21. Chile had 2,291 MW of operational battery systems in August 2026, plus 2,389 MW in testing and 4,960 MW under construction, totaling approximately 9.6 GW in the combined pipeline.

Korkia’s Chilean activity follows recent international asset moves. In August 2026, the company and joint-venture partner Semecon sold the 125 MW Kukonkylä battery project in Finland to Enlight Renewable Energy. The firm also secured grid connection permits for a 550 MW project in Romania. Korkia’s renewable energy portfolio spans 15 GW of mature solar, wind and battery assets, plus 9 GW in early-stage development across Europe, North America and South America.

Solar Ray, Korkia’s partner on Beltrán, received environmental approval earlier in 2026 for its 150 MW / 750 MWh Paicaví standalone battery system. The concentration of standalone storage projects near Santiago’s transmission infrastructure reflects growing grid integration needs as solar curtailment increases in Chile’s northern network. Wood Mackenzie forecasts Latin America’s cumulative storage capacity will expand from 2.5 GW in 2025 to 34 GW by 2035, with Chile maintaining regional leadership despite emerging price cannibalization risks in the northern grid as arbitrage revenues compress with additional storage capacity entry.