When we talk about energy transition, the first step is decarbonization, which is why many countries have established specific goals for this in an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
In Chile, the decarbonization objective is set for 2040; However, the second stage—which involves reducing dependence on oil and natural gas—is even more complex.
In recent years, significant advances in battery energy storage technologies have positioned electrochemical battery systems, known as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), as a promising alternative to other storage methods. This is because they allow efficient and flexible energy management, becoming a trend both for those who consume energy and for those who generate it through variable renewable technology generating plants, and even in the conversion of retired coal plants.
Advantages of BESS systems include rapid implementation and efficient use of land (a 1 GWh project occupies less than 10 hectares). That is why, currently, these systems are more used for energy accumulation, considering that they also require low maintenance and have a high energy density, which means that they can store a greater amount of energy in a smaller space.
In the current context of the energy industry, it is unthinkable to plan an energy generation project without considering the integration of BESS solutions, since they not only complement renewable energy sources such as solar or wind, but are essential to reduce discharges. and increase competitiveness in the market, allowing energy to be placed in the system at the time when it most requires it and which is most convenient for the owner.
Recently, the Government launched the Promotion Plan for the Development of Storage Systems, which considers the allocation of public land for energy storage projects that will come into operation in 2026.
Regarding this initiative, Antonio Rubilar, partner of the Albagli Zaliasnik (az) law firm, maintains that this is a very good sign but that the deadline for submitting offers is very short (only one month).
“We must take into account that the requirements for the bidding are very intense, therefore, and with such little time, only those who have their projects very advanced will be able to participate in that bidding. At the Government level, this should promote the initiative to present serious offers and, for this, adequate time is required, which allows the corresponding analysis to be carried out,” he points out.
On the other hand, the Government recently withdrew the power regulation, through which the provisions on the remuneration that energy storage systems would receive would be introduced.
Antonio Rubilar explains that the withdrawal of the initiative generates uncertainty. “In this regulation, energy storage will be recognized as a source to receive payment for power, that is, energy storage is an element that will give security to the system and, therefore, it is something that is worth worth paying. In this way, it is essential that the Government finally advances in presenting the decree. There has been a back and forth, where they present it and withdraw it, which is having an impact on the legal certainty regarding the regulatory battery, which is necessary for energy storage to receive the corresponding investment signals,” he points out.
Source: El Mercurio May 15, 2024.
