How much does electricity cost in Chile?

In June 2023, Chile’s household electricity price was just above the average residential electricity price of Latin American countries at 0.19 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour. Chile’s residential electricity price was nearly double that of Mexico and over four times the price reported in Argentina in the same period.

Where are Chile's battery energy storage facilities located?

Chile’s first battery energy storage projects were commissioned in 2009, and all but two of its 16 administrative regions have facilities in operation, under construction or in the planning stage. The greatest installed capacity is found in the northern regions of Antofagasta and Tarapacá, the country’s solar powerhouses.

How much does a battery cost in Chile?

In fact, batteries charged at nearly $0/MWh during the day in the sunny, northern desert regions of Chile, sell energy at night for over $100/MWh. Although projects such as Engie’s BESS Coya are already enjoying these large spreads, this capacity payment will partially de-risk Chile’s dependence on volatile, but still profitable, merchant revenues.

Will Chile's storage capacity double in 2032?

The energy ministry spokesperson told Dialogue Earth that the country’s environmental assessment body is currently assessing the viability of 300 more storage projects, with a total capacity of 16 GW. According to some projections, between 2026 and 2032, Chile’s total storage capacity could double to 4 GW.

Will new solar assets in Chile have storage components?

New utility-scale renewable and PMGE assets in Chile (most of which are distributed solar plants smaller than 9 MW) will likely all have storage components moving forward.

Are battery energy storage systems a viable alternative for Chilean power producers?

With transmission lines at overcapacity and permitting delays slowing the development of new grid infrastructure, battery energy storage systems (BESS) have surged as a profitable alternative for Chilean power producers.