Commercial operations are set to begin in the coming weeks, fulfilling a signed power purchase agreement and supplying surplus power to the commercial market. Antonio Cammisecra, Global CEO of ContourGlobal, stated: “We are proud to begin operations at Quillagua months ahead of schedule, bringing the sun’s energy at night, and to share this moment with our partners, the community, and local institutions and authorities. This is key to stabilizing the grid, addressing excess daytime supply and peak demand challenges. We are deeply committed to this country, and, beyond storage, we are also exploring opportunities in wind power, diversifying our technological approach to meet the dynamic energy needs of Chile.”
The Quillagua project is part of a broader initiative that includes the Victor Jara solar plant in the Tarapacá region, a 231MWp facility with 1.3GWh of battery storage, expected to be operational in the second half of 2025. Both projects, acquired from Grenergy in late 2024, support Chile’s renewable energy and storage objectives.
In 2024, renewable sources generated 70% of Chile’s electricity, with fossil fuels contributing 30%, a notable shift from 2019 when fossil fuels accounted for 53%, according to think tank Ember. In December 2024, wind and solar produced a record 42% of the country’s electricity, surpassing the previous high of 39.6% in September 2024. The Antofagasta region, with its high irradiance and cost-effective development conditions, is a focal point for solar growth, projected to account for 46% of Chile’s installed capacity by 2060.
The Quillagua plant enhances grid stability and supports Chile’s renewable energy goals, leveraging the region’s favorable conditions to deliver sustainable and cost-effective power.
