ACCIONA Energía has announced plans to construct a 1GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its Malgarida photovoltaic complex (238MWp) in Chile’s Atacama Desert. Scheduled for commissioning in early 2027, the project will be among the largest battery energy storage installations in Latin America, reinforcing Chile’s position as a regional leader in renewable energy innovation.
This new project joins projects like the Metlen and Glenfarne 588 MW Solar and 1610 MWh BESS Projects which will also add to the renewable energy basket for Chile.
Powering Clean Energy Day and Night
The Malgarida battery system will have a capacity of 200MW/1GWh, capable of delivering 200MW of energy for up to five hours. This means the clean solar energy generated during the day can be stored and dispatched at night — ensuring a more stable and efficient supply of renewable power.
By allowing greater flexibility in how solar energy is used, the project will help reduce Chile’s reliance on fossil fuels and cut associated CO₂ emissions, supporting the country’s broader decarbonization goals.
Strengthening Chile’s Renewable Energy Network
The new BESS project will enhance ACCIONA Energía’s strong renewable energy footprint in Chile, where the company already operates 922MW of installed capacity across several wind and solar plants.
Wind Farms:
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Punta Palmeras – 45MW
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San Gabriel – 183MW
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Tolpán Sur – 84MW
Photovoltaic Plants:
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El Romero – 246MWp
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Usya – 64MWp
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Almeyda – 62MWp
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Malgarida – 238MWp
In addition to the Malgarida battery system, ACCIONA Energía is also developing three more BESS projects totaling 1.5GWh. These systems will be connected to the company’s photovoltaic plants, further optimizing renewable energy management across its portfolio.
Optimizing Solar Energy for the Future
The Malgarida project highlights how utility-scale battery systems are transforming the way renewable power is generated and consumed. By storing solar energy for later use, BESS technology helps:
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Balance electricity supply and demand
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Stabilize the national grid
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Enable dispatch of clean energy during peak hours
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Increase the overall share of renewables in Chile’s energy mix
Such systems are becoming an essential part of modern energy infrastructure, enabling a more reliable, resilient, and low-carbon power network.
Project Factsheet: Malgarida BESS
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Developer: ACCIONA Energía
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Location: Malgarida Photovoltaic Complex, Atacama Desert, Chile
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Storage Capacity: 200MW / 1GWh
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Energy Duration: 5 hours
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Commissioning: Early 2027
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Associated Solar Plant: Malgarida PV (238MWp)
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Status: Under development
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Regional Impact: Among Latin America’s largest battery storage projects
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Key Benefit: Enables solar energy dispatch at night, cutting CO₂ emissions
Through projects like Malgarida, ACCIONA Energía continues to drive the transition toward a cleaner and more flexible energy system in Chile — setting a benchmark for sustainable power infrastructure across Latin America.
