French utility Engie has commenced commercial operations at its 68MW Tamaya battery energy storage system (BESS) on the site of its former diesel-fired power plant near Tocopilla in northern Chile's Antofagasta region. BESS Tamaya will store electricity generated by the 114MW Tamaya photovoltaic (PV) plant, which began operations in February 2022.
Rosaline Corinthien, Engie Chile's chief executive, stated that the company is "repurposing the site to give it a second life and continue contributing to the local economy." BESS Tamaya comprises 152 lithium battery containers with a storage capacity of 418MWh, capable of supplying 50,800 homes over five hours of peak demand.
Engie is also constructing a 116MW BESS operation at its former coal and fuel oil-fired power complex in Tocopilla, which was disconnected from the grid in September 2023. Engie is the fourth-largest generator in Chile, with 2.6GW of installed capacity and a BESS portfolio consisting of 2GWh in operation and construction.
The conversion of fossil fuel-fired plants is part of Chile's decarbonization plan, aiming to ensure a "just" energy transition and provide new sustainable economic activity for communities. Since 2019, Chile has withdrawn 11 coal plants for a combined 1.7GW and is committed to closing the remaining 17 coal plants by 2040.
