The project is set for commissioning in early 2027.
According to ACCIONA Energía, the battery system will be able to deliver 200MW of power for up to five hours. This capability will allow solar energy generated at Malgarida during daylight hours to be stored and dispatched at different times of the day. The company noted that this flexibility will support the supply of clean electricity at night and contribute to reducing the use of fossil fuels, thereby lowering carbon dioxide emissions. The system is intended to enhance the stability of renewable energy delivery and improve the coordination of power generation with consumption patterns.
The new storage installation will support ACCIONA Energía’s operations in Chile, where its current installed capacity totals 922MW. This includes several wind and solar facilities that provide renewable power to the country’s energy system. The company operates three wind farms: Punta Palmeras (45MW), San Gabriel (183MW), and Tolpán Sur (84MW). It also manages five photovoltaic plants: El Romero (246MW), Usya (64MW), Almeyda (62MW), and Malgarida (238MW). The Malgarida BESS will be integrated with this portfolio to improve overall energy management.
ACCIONA Energía is also developing three additional BESS projects in Chile with a combined capacity of 1.5GWh. These systems will be connected to the company’s photovoltaic plants and are intended to strengthen solar generation performance by ensuring that electricity can be supplied during periods of high demand. The company explained that advances in storage technology and declining costs have made large-scale batteries an effective solution for maximizing Chile’s strong daytime solar production and improving the balance between supply and demand.
Utility-scale battery storage projects are increasingly regarded as essential for integrating renewable energy into national grids. They help maintain reliability, support peak demand periods, and facilitate the expanded use of clean power. ACCIONA Energía stated that the Malgarida project and its broader pipeline of storage systems reflect the company’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions in Chile.
In May, ACCIONA Energía also began commercial operations at the Forty Mile wind farm in Alberta, Canada, adding to its global renewable energy portfolio.
