ENGIE Chile is repurposing its former Tocopilla Thermal Complex, which previously operated coal and fuel oil plants. In September 2022, the company disconnected the last coal-fired unit at this site and is now preparing to install an energy storage system, called BESS Tocopilla.
ENGIE’s new storage system
Rosaline Corinthien, CEO of ENGIE Chile, highlighted that the new system of 660 MWh and an installed capacity of 116 MW is part of its commitment to decarbonization and the Just Transition Plan. This plan aims to maintain the company’s presence in the community and revitalize the complex with clean and sustainable technologies.
BESS Tocopilla will use 240 containers with lithium-ion lithium-ion batteries and is estimated to generate 211 GWh per year. This is equivalent to meeting the energy demand of approximately 89,900 homes in Chile, contributing to the reduction of 51,231 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year, replacing thermal generation at peak hours.
The project not only seeks to contribute to environmental sustainability, but also to ensure the flexibility and stability of the National Electric System. Gabriel Marcuz, Managing Director of ENGIE Flexible Generation & Retail, emphasized the importance of a safe and stable energy transition, carried out in collaboration with all sectors involved.
The construction of BESS Tocopilla
The BESS Tocopilla complex, currently in the engineering stage, will begin construction in June of this year. This is ENGIE’s fifth project in Chile based on the battery energy storage system (BESS) and will be the first large-scale project to operate independently, connecting directly to the grid to manage the charging and discharging of energy.
In addition to the environmental and energy stability benefits, the transformation of the Tocopilla Thermal Complex into an energy storage facility has a potentially significant economic impact on the region. By investing in green infrastructure and advanced technology, ENGIE is not only contributing to the energy transition energy transition Chile’s energy transition, but also boosting local economic development.
The project is expected to create jobs, both in the construction phase and in the operation and maintenance of the plant, providing new employment and training opportunities for the residents of Tocopilla and surrounding areas.
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Source and photo: worldenergytrade.com
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