Zelestra has secured a long-term PPA with Abastible for a 220MW solar-plus-storage facility in Tarapacá, Chile. The plant, which is under construction, aims to provide nighttime power and enhance Abastible’s carbon-free portfolio. This deal follows a similar agreement for a solar project with Verano Energy, marking Abastible’s two significant PPA signings in recent months. Co-location of solar with battery storage is becoming crucial in Chile amidst rising curtailment issues.
Zelestra, a Spanish renewables developer, has formalized a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Abastible for a solar-plus-storage facility in Tarapacá, Chile. This hybrid plant will boast a capacity of 220MW of solar energy along with a 1GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and has already commenced construction.
This new PPA signifies Abastible’s commitment to enhance its carbon-free energy portfolio, as Zelestra’s hybrid solution will provide night-time power. Notably, this marks the second solar-plus-storage agreement signed by Abastible in just over a month, following a similar deal with Verano Energy for an 83MW solar PV and 660MWh BESS project, expected to be operational by late 2026.
Zelestra’s footprint extends across multiple Latin American nations, including Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, where it has a considerable pipeline of 7GW through 56 ongoing projects. The company’s strategy aligns with the growing trend of co-locating BESS with solar installations in Chile.
Chile has experienced significant growth in co-located BESS and solar PV projects due to an upsurge in curtailment and transmission challenges in the country. Reports from the Chilean Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Association (ACERA) indicate that approximately 6TWh of renewable capacity was curtailed in 2024.
Given these challenges and potential revenue losses for solar assets, the incorporation of BESS alongside solar infrastructure is becoming essential, as emphasized by Alejandro McDonough of Wärtsilä Chile. Additionally, a recent Wood Mackenzie report predicts that Chile and Brazil will lead the region in solar PV additions, with expectations of 160GW of new solar capacity by 2034, 78% of which is projected to come from these two countries.
Despite this potential, uncertainties related to financing and regulatory frameworks continue to hinder the growth of BESS in Chile and broader Latin America, as highlighted on Energy-Storage.News, indicating that policy support remains critical for the sector’s advancement.
In conclusion, Zelestra’s establishment of a solar-plus-storage PPA in Chile with Abastible represents a significant leap toward enhancing renewable energy infrastructure in the region. As Chile continues to grapple with curtailment issues, the co-location of solar and BESS becomes increasingly vital. The future of solar capacity in South America looks promising, particularly with projections from Wood Mackenzie indicating robust growth. However, establishing sound regulatory frameworks will be essential for maximizing the potential of battery energy storage systems.
Original Source: www.pv-tech.org
