Latin America’s largest battery storage system harnesses clean energy in the Andes

Andes IIB is LATAM’s largest battery project. It is a 180 MWp PV+ESS and 116 MW/560 MWh ESSS project located in Calama, Antofagasta, Chile.

Andes Solar IIB will be the most efficient solar farm in the world. Located in the Antofagasta Region, it integrates 180 MWp of PV and will have an integrated battery system providing 116 MW.

The 116 MW of batteries that, together with Fluence, will form part of this project, make it the largest battery storage system in Latin America, capable of supplying energy to the grid for 5 hours.

Andes Solar IIB is a flagship solar power project situated in the picturesque Andes region, known for its rich solar resources. AES Chile initiated the project with the vision of harnessing clean and sustainable energy to cater to the growing electricity demands in the area. In collaboration with industry-leading renewable energy company Hitachi Energy, AES Chile aimed to create a model for eco-friendly power generation and promote sustainable development in the region.

The Andes region has long been characterized by its rugged landscapes and pristine natural beauty. However, traditional energy sources, primarily reliant on fossil fuels, have posed environmental challenges and contributed to climate change. To address these issues, AES Chile, a prominent energy company with a commitment to sustainability, partnered with Hitachi Energy, renowned for its expertise in renewable energy projects, to develop Andes Solar IIB, the largest battery storage system in Latin America.

This initiative was the first solar farm in Chile to be integrated with lithium batteries using DC coupling technology supplied by Hitachi Energy.

The project was built using Hitachi Energy’s solar PV and storage hybrid solution: Advanced Multiport Power Station (AMPS) and Power Plant Controller (PPC) technology, which allowed solar power to be injected into the system during the night.

Andes Solar IIB consists of a total of 46 AMPS using the latest tri-level technology, allowing voltages of 1550 Vdc at full power. In the medium voltage transformation stage, a 5,600-kW transformer was used, allowing two AMPS to be connected to each other, reducing cost overruns.

AES Chile and Hitachi Energy developed a set of solutions to address the specific needs of the region and to achieve AES Chile’s goals:

• Grid stabilization and energy storage integration: Andes Solar IIB addressed solar energy's intermittency by integrating advanced energy storage systems. Hitachi Energy battery storage solutions were chosen to enable the plant to store excess electricity generated.
• Local job creation and skill development: The project prioritized local job creation and skill development initiatives. By employing and training workers from nearby communities, AES Chile wanted Andes Solar IIB to foster economic growth and support the livelihoods of the local workforce.
• Environmental impact monitoring and mitigation: AES Chile implemented a comprehensive environmental impact monitoring and mitigation program.
• Community renewable energy programs: As part of its commitment to community development, AES Chile introduced community-based renewable energy programs.

The Andes Solar IIB project has already affected the region in many positive ways:

• Clean energy generation: The solar power plant successfully commenced operations, generating a significant amount of clean electricity. Its clean energy contribution has led to substantial reductions in carbon emissions, benefiting both the local environment and the global climate.
• Economic growth: The project has catalyzed economic growth in the region. During the construction phase, it created numerous job opportunities, and ongoing operations sustain employment for skilled workers, fostering economic stability.
• Environmental preservation: By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the project actively contributes to preserving the Andes’ pristine natural environment and safeguards its unique biodiversity.
• Community empowerment: AES Chile and Hitachi Energy actively engaged with local communities, involving them in the project’s development and addressing their concerns. The project’s benefits, including improved infrastructure and educational initiatives, have positively impacted the well-being of the local population.
• Technological advancement: The integration of advanced solar PV technology not only ensures optimal energy generation but also serves as a beacon of innovation, inspiring other companies and regions to embrace sustainable technologies.

The Andes Solar IIB project, powered by the joint efforts of AES Chile and Hitachi Energy, exemplifies the transformative potential of renewable energy initiatives. Through the establishment of a cutting-edge solar power plant, the project has not only demonstrated the feasibility of large-scale clean energy adoption but has also created a ripple effect, encouraging similar endeavors worldwide. As communities thrive and environmental impacts are reduced, the project stands as a testament to the benefits of collaboration, responsible business practices, and the pursuit of a sustainable future for generations to come.