AES Andes has started commercial operations at Bolero BESS, a 146 MW/438 MWh BESS located alongside the 146 MW Bolero solar plant in Sierra Gorda, in Chile’s Antofagasta region.
The lithium-ion BESS is paired with the Bolero solar plant, which AES Andes acquired in 2023. It stores electricity generated during periods of high solar production for discharge during periods of higher demand on the electricity system.
The project follows the commercial launch of Andes Solar III in April, a hybrid facility combining 171 MW of solar PV with a 171 MW/513 MWh BESS. Both projects formed part of the commissioning program AES Andes outlined earlier this year.
AES Andes CEO Javier Dib said the start of commercial operations at Bolero BESS advances the company’s strategy and underscores the role of battery storage in supporting a more renewable, secure and flexible power system. He added that the technology improves the use of renewable generation, strengthens grid operations and helps meet growing demand for clean energy.
The company also has several storage projects under construction, including the standalone 300 MW/900 MWh Arenales BESS, the Cristales project combining 288 MW of solar with a 340 MW/1,360 MWh BESS, the Pampas hybrid project integrating 229 MW of solar, 128 MW of wind and a 340 MW/1,360 MWh BESS, and the 250 MW/1,000 MWh Atacama BESS.
According to company figures released when Andes Solar III entered commercial operation, AES Andes has 5,717 MW operating across South America. In Chile, it operates 3,945 MW, including 1,009 MW of solar and 622 MW of battery storage. The company also has 2,021 MW of renewable projects under construction and a further 4,131 MW of projects with environmental approval.
From pv magazine LatAm
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