ENGIE Chile began construction of a solar plant with batteries called PV + BESS Libélula, its first initiative of this type in the Metropolitan Region. The facility will be located between the municipalities of Colina and Tiltil, 40 kilometers north of Santiago.
The project contemplates the installation of 245,560 solar panels with a generation capacity of 151 MWp, complemented by 208 lithium ion battery containers capable of discharging for five hours, reaching 199 MW. Overall, the system will contribute 350 MW of clean energy to the National Electric System, enough to supply more than 120,000 homes.
Solar plant with batteries and energy management
This is the first time that ENGIE has built a hybrid solar hybrid solar farm from its initial phase. The battery system will allow energy to be released during peak demand periods, contributing to grid stability and reducing CO₂ emissions, in line with the country’s climate goals.
The project, currently in its initial phase, represents an investment of more than US$310 million and is scheduled to begin commercial operations in the third quarter of 2026.
Innovation with decarbonized steel and U.S. technology
Libélula also sets a precedent in the region: it will be the first large-scale solar farm in Latin America to incorporate NX Horizon low-carbon solar trackers, developed by Nextracker.developed by Nextracker. These systems use steel produced in the United States using electric arc furnace technology. electric arc furnace (EAF) technology, which reduces emissions associated with structural materials by approximately 30%.
The partnership with Nextracker reinforces ENGIE’s focus on sustainable solutions with traceability and a smaller environmental footprint. A total of 2,311 solar trackers of this type will be installed at the park.
System connection and long-term commitment
The project includes an Elevator Substation and a 16-kilometer High Voltage Transmission Line that will link to the El Manzano Substation. This infrastructure will facilitate the park’s integration into the National Electric System and increase the efficiency of renewable energy dispatch. renewable energy in the central part of the country.
ENGIE plans to reach 3.5 GW of installed capacity by 2027, with more than 60% based on renewable energy and storage. Libélula becomes a strategic step in this plan.
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Source and photo: Engie
