El Manzano Solar Project: Powering Chile’s Clean Energy Future

• The development of hybrid solar project in Chile contribute to the decarbonization and electrification goals.
• The projects integrate the use of battery energy storage systems to emsure the efficiency and reliability of the electric grid.

In March 2023, Enel Green Power Chile began the construction of the new El Manzano solar power park in Tiltil, in the metropolitan region. This is the company’s first large-scale photovoltaic solar power plant in the region. The project was expected to have a capacity of 99 MW of solar power. This is in line with the company’s strategy to incorporate hybrid renewable energy plants. The hybrid part comes in through the integration of a battery-powered energy storage system (BESS). The BESS is expected to have a capacity of 67 MW for 2 hours. Development of this project will generate around 226 GWh of clean energy per year, which will be supplied to the national electrical system. The farm used 162,000 bifacial monocrystalline solar panels designed to capture solar radiation more efficiently.

The bifacial monocrystalline solar panels are a technology that allows for the collection of solar radiation and better generation profiles. The use of battery energy storage systems allows the plan to manage energy flows effectively. It also stores power during periods of low demand and supplies it during peak demand consumption. This helps to optimize renewable energy use and enhance grid stability. The El Manzano hybrid project showcases how hybrid solutions can optimize renewable energy use, enhance grid reliability, and drive the country closer to sustainability. This article highlights the impacts of the hybrid project in Chile and its role in decarbonization and electrification goals.

The role of the El Manzano hybrid project in Chile’s decarbonization goals

The hybrid solar farm plays an essential role in Chile’s decarbonization goals and sustainability. This is achieved by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the use of renewable energy. The project also contributes to the country’s ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The development of this project combines the use of solar power with energy storage to enhance grid reliability and reduce emissions. Here’s the contribution of the hybrid project to Chile’s decarbonization goals.

1. Clean energy generation – the project generates around 226 GWh of clean energy and supports the national electrical system. This also helps the country reduce the need for fossil fuel-based power generation. The reduction of emissions aligns with Chile’s strategy to phase out coal-based power generation and transition to a low-carbon energy system.
2. Integration of energy storage – the battery energy storage systems enhance the effectiveness of solar power by storing energy. This ensures carbon-free energy availability, maximizing the use of solar energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This project uses a BESS with a capacity of 134 MWh, which provides a stable supply of renewable energy.
3. Economic development – the project creates job opportunities and stimulates economic activity in the local community. This promotes sustainable development and supports the transition to a greener economy.
4. Localized renewable energy production—the El Manzano project reduces the need for long-distance energy transmission. This reduces energy losses and strengthens the energy security of urban areas.
5. Renewable energy targets – Chile aims to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The hybrid project helps in reaching the milestone by ensuring the grid can absorb more variable renewable energy.

How the hybrid solar project supports electrification in Chile

The El Manzano hybrid project advances Chile’s electrification goals by ensuring reliable, clean, and efficient energy delivery. It also helps in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and ensures energy access in various regions. The hybrid design allows the integration of renewable energy with storage to meet both current and future energy demands. Discussed below are the contributions of the hybrid project to Chile’s electrification goals.

• Enhanced energy access – the hybrid projects help in stabilizing energy supply by combining the 99 MW solar PV with a 67 MW BESS. This allows uninterrupted power even during times when solar generation is low. This supports electrification in areas with growing demand and enhances grid resilience.
• Reducing energy costs – the project injects 226 GWh of renewable energy into the grid annually. This helps reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels, which reduces electricity costs over time. It also makes electricity more accessible and affordable.
• Rural and urban electrification—the project ensures proximity to high-demand consumption centers. This helps reduce transmission losses and provides a dependable electricity source. This approach aligns with national efforts to electrify rural regions and expand access in urban areas.
• National energy goals – the El Manzano project ensures that renewable sources contribute to national electrification efforts. This is by addressing the intermittent nature of solar power through storage solutions.

Benefits of using battery energy storage systems in the hybrid solar project

The national electric coordinator granted authorization for the 134 MWh battery storage system to begin commercial operations. The battery energy storage systems in the hybrid project provide several benefits. They enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the energy system. Battery energy storage systems enhance renewable energy integration, reduce emissions, and strengthen grid reliability. The following are the advantages of using battery energy storage systems in hybrid projects.

1. Grid stability and reliability – the BESS provides 67 MW of power capacity with 134 MW of energy storage. This enables the project to smooth out fluctuations in solar energy production and ensure steady power supply.
2. Reduced emissions and decarbonization – the storage system ensures that clean energy is available when solar resources are not generating. This contributes to Chile’s decarbonization goals by cutting carbon emissions.
3. Supporting Chile’s energy transition – the integration of BESS supports Chile’s broader energy transition by demonstrating the viability of hybrid renewable projects.
4. Energy shifting and load balancing – the BESS helps balance the grid load by storing solar energy during periods of low demand. This allows the project to maximize the value of the generated solar energy, reducing strain on the grid during high consumption periods.
5. Reduced drop of renewable energy – the BESS allows excess energy to be stored and used later, which cuts the reduction.

Challenges facing development of hybrid solar projects in Chile

The development of solar hybrid projects like the El Manzano project in Chile presents several challenges. This is despite the country’s commitment to renewable energy. The challenges include technical, financial, regulatory, and social factors. Addressing these challenges needs coordinated efforts from policymakers, investors, and technology providers to ensure the deployment of hybrid renewable energy systems. The following are the challenges facing the development of hybrid solar projects in Chile.

• Regulatory and policy uncertainty – evolving regulations and the complexity of permitting processes slow down project development. The projects face extra regulatory hurdles since energy storage policies are always evolving.
• Technical challenges in integration – integrating large-scale battery storage with solar power requires advanced grid management and technological solutions. Balancing intermittent solar power with stored energy while maintaining grid stability can be complex.
• Grid infrastructure limitations – The country’s energy grid may need upgrades to handle extra loads and bidirectional power flows from hybrid projects. Grid congestion and the need for enhanced transmission infrastructure can bring more challenges.
• Environmental concerns – large-scale solar projects need large land areas, which can lead to concerns about land use and biodiversity. It may also face challenges in community acceptance, which is crucial to the success of hybrid projects.
• High capital costs – hybrid solar projects need significant upfront investment for battery energy storage systems. Securing funding and ensuring economic viability are key hurdles in the development of solar hybrid projects in Chile.

In summary

The El Manzano hybrid solar project in Chile represents a transformative step in the country’s renewable energy landscape. The project contributes to the decarbonization and electrification goals in Chile. El Manzano hybrid solar project combines a 99 MW solar photovoltaic system with a 67 MW battery energy storage system. This helps to enhance grid stability, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure a reliable energy supply even during peak demand. The project also supports Chile’s goals of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040. Integration of battery energy storage systems helps the country reach its decarbonization and sustainability goals.

The hybrid solar project highlights key challenges, which include regulatory uncertainties, high initial costs, technical complexities, and grid infrastructure limitations. The country and industry experts need to address these challenges to ensure the success of this project. This is by developing favorable policy frameworks, investments in technology, and community engagement to ensure long-term success. The El Manzano hybrid project serves as a model for future renewable energy development. It enhances energy access and positions Chile as a leader in the global clean energy transition.

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