Wall mounted battery project financing options in Chile 2026

Why are project finance transactions increasing in Chile?

Fitch Ratings-Sao Paulo/New York-01 April 2025: Project finance transactions in Chile are expected to increase due to the recent commissioning of large battery energy storage systems (BESS), Fitch Ratings says. This should balance electricity supply and demand while reducing price volatility for renewable energy generators.

How much battery storage does Chile have?

Chile has an operational installed capacity of approximately 1GW in batteries, and another 3GW is under construction. Battery storage has been largely financed by bank lending in recent years, but we believe larger projects could increase the scope for bond financing.

Can a battery storage project be financed by a bond?

Battery storage has been largely financed by bank lending in recent years, but we believe larger projects could increase the scope for bond financing. Once large BESS projects are operational, investors gain more visibility into risks related to deployment (permitting, construction, and ramp-up) and operation of the assets.

How can battery storage help reduce the financial impact of curtailment?

Battery storage systems can capitalize on this arbitrage opportunity and help reduce the financial impact of curtailment in hybrid solar power plants until large transmission line projects become operational, stabilizing cashflows. Chile has an operational installed capacity of approximately 1GW in batteries, and another 3GW is under construction.

Can co-located batteries help solar plants capture better power prices?

Co-located batteries, like Engie S.A.’s BESS Coya, will help solar plants capture better power prices by charging the batteries during solar hours when power prices are very low and dispatching energy during peak hours when prices are close to USD 100/MWh.