CIP breaks ground on 1.5 GWh BESS project in Chile

Danish asset manager Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its Growth Markets Fund II (CI GMF II), has announced the start of construction on the 300 MW/1,500 MWh Patache battery energy storage system, located in Chile’s Tarapacá region.

According to the company, the project is situated in an area with abundant solar resources and close to existing transmission infrastructure and energy-intensive industrial hubs. This positioning will enable surplus photovoltaic generation to be shifted from daytime hours to periods of higher demand.

The company also noted that the project has qualified for an internationally recognized carbon offset program, underscoring its contribution to Chile’s long-term decarbonization goals.

The investment was structured in partnership with co-investors holding a minority stake in the asset.

The Patache battery storage is CIP’s second project of this kind in Chile, following the 220 MW/1,100 MWh Arena BESS, located in the Antofagasta region and currently in operation.

Ole Kjems Sørensen, partner at Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, said: “Projects like Patache and Arena BESS are strong examples of our Growth Markets Fund’s long-term commitment to middle-income, high-growth markets such as Chile. By developing robust energy infrastructure, we aim to create value for our investors while supporting a cost-effective transition to more sustainable energy systems.”

From pv magazine LatAm