Metlen Energy & Metals has secured three EPC contracts for over 2.5GWh of battery energy storage and 190.5MWp of solar capacity in Chile, with project delivery expected by Q1 2026. The company is also developing the Mesembria project with a BESS capacity of 1,607MWh. Industry reports suggest significant growth potential in solar-plus-storage projects in South America, although financial uncertainties and regulatory challenges remain.
Metlen Energy & Metals, a Greek renewables developer, has successfully secured three engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts for battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Chile. These contracts encompass over 2.5GWh of BESS capacity and 190.5MWp of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity. The completion of these projects is anticipated by the first quarter of 2026.
In addition to the EPC contracts, Metlen is also focusing on its own project portfolio in Chile, highlighted by the Mesembria project. This initiative will boast a BESS capacity of 1,607MWh and is scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2025.
A report published by Wood Mackenzie emphasizes the burgeoning sector of solar-plus-storage projects in Brazil and Chile, driven by rising curtailment and transmission challenges. This report predicts that South America will witness the installation of 160GW of solar PV capacity by 2034.
The integration of BESS with solar PV is deemed an “absolute necessity” for both existing and future projects in Chile, as stated by Alejandro McDonough, business development manager at Wärtsilä Energy Storage and Optimisation, in a discussion about the Chilean BESS market with Energy-storage-news. This sentiment was reiterated during the recent Energy Storage Summit Latin America, where technology’s vital role in alleviating Chile’s curtailment problems was showcased.
Despite the promising outlook, certain financial uncertainties persist, which could hinder the full potential of BESS in Chile and the broader Latin American region. Many countries are still grappling with regulatory and policy frameworks that are crucial for expanding the growth of BESS in Latin America and the Caribbean.
In summary, Metlen Energy & Metals has made significant strides in Chile’s renewable energy sector by securing contracts for over 2.5GWh of battery energy storage. The firm’s own projects, such as the Mesembria project, along with the industry’s anticipated growth, highlight a transformative period. However, regulatory challenges must be addressed for BESS to reach its full potential within the region.
Original Source: www.energy-storage.news
