One of the largest battery storage projects in South America is being built in the Chilean Atacama desert. It complements the existing 220 MW PV power plant Diego de Almagro Sur operated by the electric utility company Colbún S.A. Since 2022, the plant has been supplying the region with solar power using SMA technology. This is now followed by a 228 MW battery storage system with a capacity of 918 MWh and a four-hour charging and discharging time. At the core of the project are 67 SMA battery systems with powerful SMA battery inverters combined with batteries by eStorage, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc. SMA is also providing a plant control system specifically developed for large-scale storage projects. The battery storage system will not only store solar power but can be activated as needed and will also contribute to Chile's security of supply through instantaneous reserve and black-start capability.
“Building this “4-hour-project” together with our partners is a game-changing example of integrating PV and battery storage systems on an industrial scale,” said Florian Bechthold, Executive Vice President Division Large-Scale and Storage Solutions at SMA. “Solar power is stored in a grid-supportive manner and is used 24/7 to stabilize the grid. This underscores SMA's commitment to the expansion of a sustainable and secure energy supply in Latin America.”
The large-scale storage system is being built in the commune of Diego de Almagro in the Atacama region. In synergy with the neighboring PV power plant, it enforces the energy infrastructure in one of the most important solar regions in Chile. SMA is supplying 67 medium-voltage power systems, each equipped with a Sunny Central Storage 4400 UP-S featuring cutting-edge SiC-MOSFET technology—for the highest efficiency and energy yield. A plant control system specifically developed for large-scale storage projects based on the SMA Power Plant Manager is included in the delivery.
“We thank eStorage and Colbún for their trust in our energy systems,” said Daniel Rosende, General Manager of SMA in Latin America. “This project, in which we are also working closely with grid operator Coordinador Electrico Naccional, represents a milestone for SMA in Latin America. It emphasizes our technological leadership in the field of storage solutions and demonstrates the potential of our grid-forming solutions under challenging conditions and our contribution to a climate-friendly energy future in Chile.”
Construction of the large-scale storage system, capable of supplying electricity to approximately 55,480 households, began in June. The commercial commissioning is scheduled for December 2026.
Disclaimer:
This press release serves only as information and does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for, acquire, hold or sell any securities of SMA Solar Technology AG (the “Company”) or any present or future subsidiary of the Company (together with the Company, the “SMA Group”) nor should it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any contract to purchase or subscribe for any securities in the Company or any member of the SMA Group or commitment whatsoever. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
This press release can contain future-oriented statements. Future-oriented statements are statements which do not describe facts of the past. They also include statements about our assumptions and expectations. These statements are based on plans, estimations and forecasts which the Managing Board of SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA or company) has available at this time. Future-oriented statements are therefore only valid on the day on which they are made. Future-oriented statements by nature contain risks and elements of uncertainty. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors can lead to considerable differences between the actual results, the financial position, the development or the performance of the corporation and the estimates given here. These factors include those which SMA has discussed in published reports. These reports are available on the SMA website at www.SMA.de. The company accepts no obligation whatsoever to update these future-oriented statements or to adjust them to future events or developments.
“Building this “4-hour-project” together with our partners is a game-changing example of integrating PV and battery storage systems on an industrial scale,” said Florian Bechthold, Executive Vice President Division Large-Scale and Storage Solutions at SMA. “Solar power is stored in a grid-supportive manner and is used 24/7 to stabilize the grid. This underscores SMA's commitment to the expansion of a sustainable and secure energy supply in Latin America.”
The large-scale storage system is being built in the commune of Diego de Almagro in the Atacama region. In synergy with the neighboring PV power plant, it enforces the energy infrastructure in one of the most important solar regions in Chile. SMA is supplying 67 medium-voltage power systems, each equipped with a Sunny Central Storage 4400 UP-S featuring cutting-edge SiC-MOSFET technology—for the highest efficiency and energy yield. A plant control system specifically developed for large-scale storage projects based on the SMA Power Plant Manager is included in the delivery.
“We thank eStorage and Colbún for their trust in our energy systems,” said Daniel Rosende, General Manager of SMA in Latin America. “This project, in which we are also working closely with grid operator Coordinador Electrico Naccional, represents a milestone for SMA in Latin America. It emphasizes our technological leadership in the field of storage solutions and demonstrates the potential of our grid-forming solutions under challenging conditions and our contribution to a climate-friendly energy future in Chile.”
Construction of the large-scale storage system, capable of supplying electricity to approximately 55,480 households, began in June. The commercial commissioning is scheduled for December 2026.
Disclaimer:
This press release serves only as information and does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for, acquire, hold or sell any securities of SMA Solar Technology AG (the “Company”) or any present or future subsidiary of the Company (together with the Company, the “SMA Group”) nor should it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any contract to purchase or subscribe for any securities in the Company or any member of the SMA Group or commitment whatsoever. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
This press release can contain future-oriented statements. Future-oriented statements are statements which do not describe facts of the past. They also include statements about our assumptions and expectations. These statements are based on plans, estimations and forecasts which the Managing Board of SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA or company) has available at this time. Future-oriented statements are therefore only valid on the day on which they are made. Future-oriented statements by nature contain risks and elements of uncertainty. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors can lead to considerable differences between the actual results, the financial position, the development or the performance of the corporation and the estimates given here. These factors include those which SMA has discussed in published reports. These reports are available on the SMA website at www.SMA.de. The company accepts no obligation whatsoever to update these future-oriented statements or to adjust them to future events or developments.
