Portugal’s EDP plans 619 MWh solar-plus-storage site in Chile

Portuguese energy company EDP has submitted the Cumbres del Sol Photovoltaic Park project to the Chilean Environmental Impact Assessment System.
The $220 million project comprises a 140 MWp (111 MW (AC)) solar plant and a 619 MWh, grid-connected, lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins region, in the municipalities of Malloa and San Fernando.
The environmental documents indicate the 313 ha solar field will feature 229,600 mobile tracker-mounted solar modules. The panels will connect to inverter-equipped electricity transformer stations via a medium-voltage connection. The energy will be evacuated via the 220 kV Candelaria-Puente Negro electricity transmission line.
EDP said construction will involve an average 350 workers with a maximum 550 roles during peak activity and added a 10- to 35-strong workforce will operate the project. Some 200 workers will be required for decommissioning, after 35 years of operation.
Construction of the site, if approved, would begin on Nov. 30, 2027.
The Portuguese energy company in March submitted plans for the $750 million, 539 MW Vientos de Taltal wind and solar site, in Antofagasta. That project would feature 283 MW of solar, 256 MW of wind, and a 360 MW/1.8 GW BESS.
The O’Higgins region is the subject of plans for hundreds of megawatts of solar and BESS project capacity, including the 150 MW/750 MWh Remanso Energy Storage System. Last month, however, Chilean utility Colbún withdrew plans for its $500 million El Encanto solar-plus-storage project, citing economic viability concerns for the 249.7 MWp solar and 260 MW/1.04 GWh BESS site.
From pv magazine LatAm.