ACCIONA Energía has announced the construction of a 1GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at its Malgarida photovoltaic (PV) complex, located in the Atacama Desert of Chile.  

Scheduled for commissioning in early 2027, the project is set be among the largest battery storage installations in South America. 

The battery system's capacity will allow it to deliver 200MW of power for up to five hours.  

This capability will enable the PV energy generated at Malgarida to be stored, managed, and dispatched at different times of the day, ensuring that clean energy produced during daylight hours can also be supplied at night. 

By adding this flexibility, the project aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut associated carbon dioxide emissions.  

The Malgarida battery will support ACCIONA Energía in optimising renewable energy management in Chile, where the company currently operates with a total installed capacity of 922MW.  

This portfolio includes three wind farms, Punta Palmeras (45MW), San Gabriel (183MW), and Tolpán Sur (84MW). 

It also includes five PV plants, El Romero (246MW), Usya (64MW), Almeyda (62MW), and Malgarida (238MW). 

ACCIONA Energía is advancing a pipeline of three additional BESS projects in Chile, totalling 1.5GWh, all linked with its PV plants.  

The company stated that by leveraging the major cost reduction and strong potential of storage technology, it will help maximise Chile’s abundant daytime solar generation and better match energy supply with demand. 

Utility-scale BESSs are seen as essential for integrating renewable energy, enabling the delivery of clean energy during peak demand periods, and enhancing the reliability of the national power supply. 

In May this year, ACCIONA Energía commenced commercial operations at the Forty Mile wind farm in Alberta, Canada.