ContourGlobal announced the start of construction of Los Maitenes , a new hybrid solar-plus-storage investment in Chile, for a facility that combines 131 MWp of photovoltaic solar capacity with 90 MW/360 MWh of battery storage .
Once completed, the project will bring ContourGlobal's Chilean renewables and storage portfolio to approximately 583 MWp photovoltaics with 490 MW / 2.9 GWh BESS , representing more than 1 GW of clean energy generation and storage assets in the country.
Along with its existing plants in the Tarapacá (Víctor Jara) and Antofagasta (Quillagua I and II) regions, Los Maitenes will expand the company's presence to the O'Higgins Region, closer to one of Chile's main centers of electricity demand.
Given that the Chilean electrical system experiences periods of surplus solar generation that cannot always be absorbed or transmitted through the grid, facilities like Los Maitenes help mitigate the risk of curtailment.
The new facility is expected to generate around 220 GWh of clean electricity per year and be fully built by the end of 2027. Its production is largely contracted through a single long-term PPA covering both day and night blocks, taking advantage of the flexibility offered by its four-hour battery storage system, while the remaining production will capture opportunities in the spot market.
Antonio Cammisecra, CEO of ContourGlobal, commented : "Our growth in Chile goes hand in hand with the transformation of the country's electricity system, which is at the forefront of combining renewable generation and energy storage to offer clean, reliable and manageable energy on a large scale."
"Los Maitenes is another milestone in ContourGlobal's strategy to develop large-scale hybrid renewable platforms, and it is based on our pioneering 'Sun at Night' business model, which allows us to deliver solar energy generated during the day during peak hours outside of daylight hours," he added.
"Los Maitenes marks an important milestone in ContourGlobal's continued expansion in Chile. This project demonstrates our ability to understand the evolving needs of our clients and the market, and translate them into world-class, bankable energy solutions. It also reflects our strong local presence and expertise in the Chilean energy market," added James Lee Stancampiano, LATAM General Manager of ContourGlobal.
The project is expected to employ a maximum workforce of up to 400 people simultaneously during the construction of the solar plant, the BESS installation, the electrical substation, and associated works.
Over the approximately 15-month construction period, as civil, mechanical, electrical, and commissioning activities progress, an estimated 900 direct workers will contribute to the project. Including indirect employment associated with transportation, local services, suppliers, and subcontractors, the project's total employment impact is expected to exceed 1,300 people, according to preliminary estimates.