SMA Powers 228 MW Battery Storage Project in Chile

SMA will supply 67 SMA battery storage units to one of South America’s largest battery energy storage systems, which is under construction in Chile’s Atacama Desert. The system is being developed alongside the 220 MW Diego de Almagro Sur solar power plant, operated by Chilean utility Colbún S.A., which has been supplying solar power to the region since 2022 using SMA technology.

The upcoming battery storage system will have a power capacity of 228 MW and an energy capacity of 912 MWh, allowing for four hours of continuous charging and discharging. It is expected to significantly enhance grid reliability and solar integration in the Atacama region - one of Chile’s top solar hotspots.

Industrial-Scale Solar + Storage Integration

The system will feature 67 SMA battery storage units, each equipped with SMA’s advanced Sunny Central Storage 4400 UP-S inverters, which utilise silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET technology for high efficiency. The batteries are supplied by eStorage, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc. A dedicated plant control system developed by SMA for large-scale projects will oversee operations.

“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 of Large-Scale and Storage Solutions at SMA. He added that the system will operate around the clock, contributing to grid stability and renewable energy availability.

Construction began in June 2025, with commercial commissioning targeted for December 2026. Once operational, the battery system will be capable of supplying electricity to around 55,480 households.

Daniel Rosende, General Manager of SMA Latin America, said the project marks a key milestone for the company in the region. “This project not only reinforces our presence but also highlights the strength of our grid-forming storage solutions under challenging desert conditions.”

In addition to storing solar energy, the system will provide instantaneous reserve and black-start capability—critical for ensuring energy security during outages. The installation is being carried out in coordination with Chile’s national grid operator, Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional.