Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners plans over 1 GW hybrid wind-solar plant with 3,831 MWh BESS in Chile

Danish developer Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has submitted its Llanura Solar project for environmental review in Chile’s Antofagasta region. The $1.3 billion hybrid facility would combine 1,004 MWp of solar PV, 152 MW of wind generation, and a battery energy storage system (BESS) with 3,831.4 MWh of capacity.

The project would connect to the planned 500 kV Llullaillaco switching substation under Chile’s 2021 Transmission Expansion Plan.

According to the environmental impact study filed with Chile’s Environmental Assessment Service (SEIA), Llanura Solar would occupy 2,064.06 hectares in the municipality of Taltal. It would use 1,394,496 solar modules rated at 720 Wp, alongside 19 wind turbines of 8 MW each. The BESS would be housed in 764 containers and provide up to five hours of storage.

Grid connection to Chile’s National Electric System (SEN) would be via a new Llanura Solar substation, stepping voltage from 33 kV to 500 kV, and a 14.79 km high-voltage transmission line linking to the future Llullaillaco 500 kV substation. This transmission infrastructure is classed as a new work under Exempt Decree No. 257/2022 from the Ministry of Energy.

Construction is expected to require an average of 628 workers, peaking at around 1,200, with between eight and 30 employees during operation. The project is designed for a 43-year operational life.

Copenhagen Infrastructure Service Company, CIP’s local subsidiary, is also developing other storage and transmission projects in Antofagasta, which is a key focus area for its Chilean and Latin American portfolio. These include the Arena standalone BESS (220 MW / 1,100 MWh), scheduled to begin supplying power in early 2026.

From pv magazine LATAM.