Copec to retrofit 420 MWh battery to solar farm in Chile under innovative deal

Copec SA, part of Chilean energy and forestry company Empresas Copec, and Transelec, the nation’s largest transmission company, have joined hands to develop their first large-scale energy storage system alogside the 123 MWp Granja Solar Park, located in the commune of Pozo Almonte, Tarapacá Region.

The 105 MW/420 MWh battery storage system will initially be integrated into the Granja Solar substation via a 33 kV transmission line. It will then use an existing 220 kV line to the Lagunas substation, owned by Transelec, ensuring efficient integration within the National Electric System of Chile (SEN).

Copec acquired the Granja Solar photovoltaic park in April in a bankruptcy liquidation procedure of the María Elena Solar SA Economic Unit. It also bought the electrical substation and the 23.4 km electrical transmission line that connects the solar plant to the SEN.

The battery project is carried out under a long-term build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) contract, the first such model in Chile. Under the 20-year contract, Transelec will be responsible for the operation and management of the storage system, guaranteeing its optimal functioning and its contribution to the national energy supply, and then transferring the asset to Copec after the term has ended.

Copec Emoac, the subsidiary responsible for trading of energy generated by the Granja Solar Plant, will also be responsible for trading the stored energy. The battery system is slated for operation starting in the first quarter of 2026.