Grenergy plans 430 MW/3,010 MWh solar-plus-storage project in Chile

Grenergy, through its Chilean subsidiary GR Flor de Loto, has submitted an environmental impact declaration for the Pampa del Desierto solar-plus-storage project in Chile.

Planned for the municipality of María Elena in the province of Tocopilla, Antofagasta region, the project comprises a 518.7 MWp photovoltaic plant with 430 MW of nominal capacity and a battery energy storage system rated at 430 MW/3,010 MWh.

The solar plant will use 829,920 bifacial modules, each rated at 625 W, mounted on single-axis trackers. The project covers 850.67 hectares, including 715.76 hectares for permanent facilities, 2.27 hectares for temporary installations and 132.63 hectares that will remain free of construction.

The BESS will provide seven hours of discharge at nominal power. It will comprise 632 battery containers and 79 transformer stations. The system will store electricity generated by the solar plant and shift its delivery to periods of higher electricity demand.

Grid infrastructure will include the Pampita step-up substation, rated at 33/220 kV, and a 21.46 km, 220 kV transmission line supported by 66 structures. The line will connect the project to the Kimal substation, allowing electricity to be fed into Chile’s National Electric System. The environmental documentation identifies proximity to existing grid infrastructure as a key factor in site selection.

Grenergy estimates the investment at $520 million and plans to begin construction on March 1, 2029, subject to obtaining the necessary permits. The project has a declared operating life of 43.2 years. Construction is expected to employ an average of 200 workers, peaking at 400, while operations will require an average of five employees and a maximum of nine.

The company submitted the environmental declaration on Oct. 29, and Chile’s Environmental Assessment Service admitted it for review on Nov. 4, 2026. The project is therefore at the environmental assessment stage.

Pampa del Desierto adds to Grenergy’s pipeline in María Elena. In February, the company submitted the 566.58 MWp Elena 2 solar project, which also includes a 430 MW/3,010 MWh BESS. In August, it presented the 516.92 MWp Antofagasta 1 solar project, with battery storage of the same power and energy capacity. Antofagasta 1 also carries an estimated investment of $520 million and will connect to Kimal, using a different substation and transmission line.

From pv magazine LatAm