SANTIAGO, Chile, March 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Atlas Renewable Energy, a global leader in clean energy generation, has reached a significant milestone in Chile by securing a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a battery energy storage system (BESS) with Chilean company COPEC, through its energy commercializer EMOAC, spanning 15 years.
BESS del Desierto is poised to become one of the largest energy storage projects in Chile and Latin America, boasting an installed capacity of 200 MW and a storage capacity of 800 MWh over four hours. The initiative will enable the storage of energy during daylight hours and facilitate re-injection into the grid during periods of high demand. Situated adjacent to Atlas’ Sol del Desierto solar plant in the commune of Maria Elena, Antofagasta region, the battery system represents a significant step towards enhancing the region’s energy infrastructure.
Under the terms of the agreement, BESS del Desierto will inject approximately 280 GWh per year into the grid, mitigating curtailment of renewable energy generated during daylight hours and enhancing the stability and reliability of electricity supply in the region and the country. The project’s storage capacity is equivalent to powering 2,500 electric buses, or covering a distance of 500,000 km for these vehicles.
Functioning as a standalone battery, BESS del Desierto represents an autonomous solution designed to efficiently store electrical energy, enabling the accumulation of energy during periods of ample supply and contributing to a sustainable, continuous, and dependable energy supply.
Carlos Barrera, CEO of Atlas Renewable Energy, commented, “This agreement signals our foray into battery energy storage technology, positioning Atlas as an early adopter in Latin America. It underscores our commitment to innovative energy solutions and reinforces our position as a frontrunner in sustainable technology for the region’s energy transition. The BESS del Desierto project is integral to our strategy of bolstering energy reliability through advanced solar resource utilization and offering tailored energy solutions to our clients.”
Vannia Toro, General Manager of EMOAC, added, “This agreement addresses a critical issue at the national level, particularly the optimal utilization of renewable energy sources. Our approach emphasizes innovation, adaptation, and technological integration. We firmly believe that this represents a significant solution to the existing challenges within the system and marks another crucial stride towards our dedicated commitment to energy transition.”
In recent years, Atlas Renewable Energy has spearheaded projects in the region with a steadfast focus on long-term sustainability, both in collaboration with commercial partners and in supplying regulated customers. The company has contracted 5,243 MW of renewable energy installed capacity, contributing to the region’s transition towards cleaner energy sources. Notably, Atlas has emerged as a pioneer in the implementation and utilization of battery energy storage systems in Chile, having sealed two of the largest deals in the country and Latin America leveraging this technology. The company anticipates further consolidation and expansion into other regions with innovative and sustainable energy projects.
About Atlas Renewable Energy
Atlas Renewable Energy is a global renewable energy generation company with approximately 5.6 GW of renewable energy assets, of which 2.7 GW are operational. Since early 2017, Atlas has specialized in developing, financing, constructing, and operating renewable energy projects. With an experienced team possessing extensive global power market and renewable energy expertise, the company stands as a trailblazer in the renewable energy industry in Ibero-America.