Enel Chile has launched the Don Humberto Energy Plant, an 81-MW solar farm with a 67-MW battery storage system in the Santiago Metropolitan Region. The plant will generate 188 GWh of clean electricity annually, powering 80,000 homes and cutting 148,000 tons of CO2 emissions. Its BESS system will manage 43 GWh per year, ensuring energy supply during peak hours and low solar production times.
Strengthening Chile’s Energy Grid
The launch of this energy plant aligns with Chile’s push for a more resilient energy system. Enel Chile’s CEO, Giuseppe Turchiarelli, highlighted the role of battery storage in stabilizing the grid. He emphasized the importance of regulatory support for energy storage technologies.
Enel Chile developed the project through its renewables subsidiary, Enel Green Power Chile. The facility has met all the safety and generation standards required by the National Electric Coordinator. This ensures reliable integration into the National Electric System (SEN).
The Don Humberto Energy Plant operates with a hybrid setup. The solar farm generates electricity during the day, while the BESS system provides energy when solar output is low. This improves energy supply reliability and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
The facility's solar section has an installed capacity of 81 MW. The energy it generates will be injected into the national grid, supporting Chile’s renewable energy transition. The BESS unit, with a storage capacity of 67 MW for two hours, will optimize energy distribution by shifting supply to peak demand periods.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The new energy plant will significantly reduce carbon emissions. By producing 188 GWh of clean energy per year, it will help Chile lower its reliance on fossil fuels. The avoided emissions of 148,000 tons of CO2 annually contribute to the country’s climate goals.
From an economic perspective, the facility enhances energy security. The use of battery storage allows for better grid management, reducing the need for costly backup power sources. This could lower systemic costs and improve electricity affordability.
Enel Chile has been at the forefront of Chile’s clean energy transition. The company has developed multiple solar and wind projects through its Enel Green Power Chile division.
The Future of Hybrid Energy Plants in Chile
The success of the Don Humberto Energy Plant sets a precedent for future hybrid renewable projects. Battery storage integration is becoming a key component of modern energy systems. It enhances grid flexibility, stabilizes supply and maximizes the benefits of renewable generation.
Chile aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Projects like Don Humberto support this goal by increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix. With ongoing advancements in energy storage, hybrid energy plants will likely become more common in the country.
The Don Humberto Energy Plant is a milestone for Chile’s renewable energy sector. Enel Chile’s investment in hybrid technology strengthens the national grid and reduces emissions. The combination of solar power and battery storage improves energy security and sustainability.
As Chile continues its transition to clean energy, hybrid energy plants will play a crucial role. Enel Chile’s efforts demonstrate the potential of integrating storage with renewables. This approach will shape the future of the country’s energy landscape.