- Canadian Solar (CSIQ, Financial) secures contract for 228 MW/912 MWh Battery Energy Storage System in Chile.
- Construction to begin in June 2025, creating up to 150 jobs, with operations starting in December 2026.
- The project utilizes SolBank 3.0 technology for advanced grid services and energy storage solutions.
Canadian Solar Inc.'s (NASDAQ: CSIQ) subsidiary, e-STORAGE, has announced a significant milestone in the energy storage sector by securing a contract with Colbún to supply a 228 MW/912 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for the Diego de Almagro Sur project in Chile's Atacama Region. This initiative will incorporate Canadian Solar's proprietary SolBank 3.0 technology, utilizing lithium-iron-phosphate batteries equipped with an active balancing battery management system and advanced liquid cooling solutions.
The construction of the BESS is scheduled to commence in June 2025, creating approximately 150 local jobs. It is anticipated that the storage unit will begin commercial operations by December 2026. The facility will be strategically co-located with Colbún’s existing 232 MW solar park, enhancing operational synergies and promoting energy efficiency.
The Diego de Almagro Sur BESS project will not only handle energy shifting and capacity contributions but also offer advanced grid services such as grid forming, black start, and inertia support, essential for integrating renewable energy into Chile's power grid. The storage system boasts enough capacity to power about 55,480 households, making a substantial contribution towards managing solar intermittency and optimizing the value of the adjoining solar facility.
This contract significantly bolsters Canadian Solar's position in the Latin American energy storage market, aligning with its strategy of expanding into higher-value integrated energy solutions. The project further strengthens the partnership with Colbún, potentially paving the way for additional opportunities as Chile advances its clean energy transition.
