ContourGlobal Begins Construction of 131 MWp Solar, 90 MW/360 MWh BESS Hybrid Project in Chile

ContourGlobal has commenced construction of Los Maitenes, a hybrid renewable energy project in Chile that will combine 131 MWp of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity with a 90 MW/360 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).

The project marks the company’s latest investment in Chile’s renewable energy sector and is expected to expand its clean energy footprint in the country. Upon completion, ContourGlobal’s Chilean renewable energy portfolio will reach approximately 583 MWp of solar PV and 490 MW/2.9 GWh of battery energy storage capacity, representing more than 1 GW of renewable generation and storage assets nationwide.

Located in Chile’s O’Higgins Region, Los Maitenes will extend the company’s operations beyond its existing facilities in the Tarapacá and Antofagasta regions. The strategic location places the project closer to one of Chile’s major electricity demand centres while reducing exposure to transmission constraints.

The hybrid facility has been designed to address challenges associated with excess daytime solar generation by storing surplus renewable electricity and dispatching it during periods of peak demand. The integrated four-hour battery energy storage system will enable the plant to deliver firm renewable power during non-solar hours, improving grid flexibility and reducing renewable energy curtailment.

ContourGlobal expects the project to generate approximately 220 GWh of clean electricity annually and complete construction by the end of 2027. The project’s output will primarily be supplied under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) covering both daytime and nighttime electricity delivery, while the remaining generation will be sold into the merchant electricity market.

Antonio Cammisecra, Chief Executive Officer of ContourGlobal, said the project strengthens the company’s strategy of developing large-scale hybrid renewable energy platforms and builds on its “Sun at Night” model, which enables solar energy generated during the day to be supplied during evening peak demand through battery storage.

James Lee Stancampiano, General Manager for Latin America at ContourGlobal, said Los Maitenes reflects the company’s ability to develop bankable energy solutions tailored to evolving customer and market requirements while reinforcing its long-term commitment to Chile’s energy transition.

The company said the project is expected to employ up to 400 workers simultaneously during peak construction, with around 900 direct jobs created over the approximately 15-month construction period. Including indirect employment across transportation, suppliers, subcontractors, and local services, the total employment impact is expected to exceed 1,300 jobs. ContourGlobal added that it is also engaging with local communities and institutional stakeholders throughout the construction phase to ensure ongoing communication and coordination.