Chile Energy Storage Project Tender Announcement: What You Need to Know in 2025
Why Chile’s Latest Tender Is a Big Deal for Renewable Energy Buffs
If you’re in the energy storage game, Chile’s 2025 tender announcement is like spotting a rare bird in the Atacama Desert—exciting and packed with potential. With a $33 billion global energy storage industry already generating nearly 100 gigawatt-hours annually [1], Chile aims to carve its niche as a Latin American leader. Let’s unpack the details, explore cutting-edge trends like hybrid storage systems and green hydrogen integration, and share tips to nail your bid.
Key Dates and Requirements: Don’t Miss the Deadline!
The tender, managed by Chile’s National Energy Commission (CNE), targets projects that combine solar/wind with BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems). Here’s the scoop:
- Submission Window: April 15 – June 30, 2025
- Minimum Capacity: 50 MW with 4-hour discharge
- Tech Focus: Lithium-ion dominance, but flow batteries get bonus points for longevity.
Chile’s Storage Boom: More Than Just Lithium
Sure, Chile supplies 30% of the world’s lithium, but this tender isn’t just about batteries. Think bigger:
- Volcano-Powered Storage: Northern Chile’s geothermal zones could enable compressed air energy storage (CAES)—imagine using magma-heated caverns as giant batteries!
- Green Hydrogen Hubs: Projects coupling storage with hydrogen electrolysis may get tax incentives. (Pro tip: Partner with Corfo-backed startups.)
Case Study: How Argentina Nailed Its 2023 Tender
Chile’s neighbor added 200 MW of storage using a “pay-for-performance” model—contractors earn bonuses for exceeding availability thresholds. One project, San Juan Solar+Storage, boosted grid resilience during a historic heatwave. Could Chile adopt similar incentives? Industry whispers say… maybe [7].
Bid Smart: 3 Pitfalls to Avoid
Bidding for energy storage tenders is like assembling IKEA furniture—messy if you skip the instructions. Here’s how to dodge common mistakes:
- Don’t Overpromise Cycling Rates: Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster if you push 500+ cycles/year. CNE auditors aren’t fooled by shiny specs.
- Localize Your Supply Chain: The tender favors suppliers using Chilean lithium processors like SQM or Albemarle.
- Plan for Seismic Surprises: Chile’s 2,000+ annual earthquakes demand flexible mounting systems. (Yes, that earthquake clause in Section 12b matters!)
Fun Fact: When Storage Meets Wine
In 2024, a Chilean vineyard used retired EV batteries to power its irrigation pumps—saving $20k/year. While this tender focuses on utility-scale projects, CNE’s director joked: “Maybe next year, we’ll have a storage-for-winemaking category.” 🍷
The Road Ahead: Why This Tender Could Reshape LATAM’s Grid
Chile wants 70% renewable electricity by 2030, and storage is the glue holding that goal together. With tenders like this, the country could outpace Brazil’s Amazon Wind Complex and become the region’s storage lab. Ready to bid? Grab your lithium, your spreadsheets, and a crash helmet—this race is just getting started.
References:
[1] 火山引擎
[7] 2024年东盟清洁能源发展路径洞察报告(英文版)