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Chile has the potential to run exclusively on renewable generation, with an estimated energy mix of 46% solar, 31% wind, 12% hydroelectric, and 8% flexible natural gas power plants, as well as 23% of battery storage capacity. The remaining 2% is split between biomass, geothermal, and other less common energy sources.
Currently, 36 of the 129 large-scale projects Latin America projects with an energy storage component under development are in Chile, including 32 out of 71 of the region’s early works projects. The storage technologies either in use or being considered include:
According to data from Acera, the Chilean Renewable Energy Association, there are only 64MW of battery storage capacity currently active, representing 0.2% of national capacity. AES Andes, a subsidiary of U.S. company AES Corp. operates all 64MW at their Angamos and Los Andes substations.
Chile’s goal to achieve 80% renewable grid by 2030 and a 100% zero emissions grid by 2050, will require an estimated 2,000 MW of energy storage every 10 years.
Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is one of the many energy storage options that can store electric energy in the form of potential energy (compressed air) and can be deployed near central power plants or distribution centers. In response to demand, the stored energy can be discharged by expanding the stored air with a turboexpander generator.
In times of excess electricity on the grid (for instance due to the high power delivery at times when demand is low), a compressed air energy storage plant can compress air and store the compressed air in a cavern underground. At times when demand is high, the stored air can be released and the energy can be recuperated.
For example, the state of Kansas has facilitated these processes with their Compressed Air Energy Storage Act , effective since 2009. A study that reports on promising locations, permitting processes and challenges, and mitigating solutions would help developers navigate these issues during the planning phase.
A study numerically simulated an adiabatic compressed air energy storage system using packed bed thermal energy storage. The efficiency of the simulated system under continuous operation was calculated to be between 70.5% and 71%.
A balance of renewable energy generation and storage will be required to replace retiring coal-fired power stations and ensure Victoria’s electricity system is affordable, reliable, safe, and sustainable. Actions include: Building energy storage – like the Victorian Big Battery – to help provide reliable renewable energy throughout the transition.
For a successful electricity transition, it is essential to skill, up-skill and train Victoria’s energy workforce, and have a supply chain that meets our growing energy sector needs. Actions include: Working with key stakeholders to strengthen local renewable electricity supply chains.
Our vision for Victoria’s future electricity system. Cheaper, Cleaner, Renewable: Our Plan for Victoria's Electricity Future outlines the actions we are taking to ensure our state achieves its renewable energy targets. The plan is built on 4 pillars: Enabling the renewables big build. Empowering households and businesses to lower energy bills.
Actions include: Helping people better capture, store and share their energy so they benefit from greater returns on their investments, including solar and batteries, while unlocking lower energy prices for all Victorians.
