Sungrow signs 60MW/ 132MWh ESS contract for Maria Elena solar park in Chile

Energy storage supplier Sungrow has recently signed a contract with the Investment Fund WEG-4 to install 60MW/ 132MWh of its liquid cooled energy storage system (ESS) - the PowerTitan - at Maria Elena Solar Park in Antofagasta, Chile. 

The project will enhance the stability and flexibility of the Chilean National Electric System, supporting local carbon-neutral ambitions, the company claims. The energy storage system will store the renewable energy from the 72.8 MW solar plant during the day and release it to the grid at night, increasing the overall efficiency of the solar park and grid stability.

Ada Li, Vice President of Sungrow Americas, commented on the latest contract, "Energy storage is essential for decarbonizing the Chilean energy system. WEG-4 is at the forefront of enabling the energy transition of this country and we at Sungrow are happy to assist them in creating a better and cleaner future by cutting-edge offerings."

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The liquid cooled ESS 'PowerTitan' is designed based on Sungrow's power electronics, electrochemistry, and power grid support technologies. It cuts capital and operating expenses due to its pre-assembled and easy installation design, and with a more effective cell working environment which substantially decreases the capacity loss rate, according to the manufacturer. 

Further, the system's DC-DC controller can charge and discharge battery racks individually, thereby increasing the overall system performance. The company adds that the PowerTitan has won world's first iF Design Award winner in the utility-scale energy storage system category.

"WEG-4's commitment to continue investing in assets that contribute to a better environment is evident in the Maria Elena Energy Storage project", said Eduardo Escaffi, partner from WEG-4. "We selected Sungrow as our dedicated ESS provider due to their proven track record in the energy storage market, and the competitive features of their products and services, securing the best performance of our assets in the long term". 

WEG-4, the owner of Maria Elena Solar Park, is a public fund managed by WEG AGF, a Chilean asset manager established in 2015. The South American nations' climate targets aim for 70 percent of its electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030, thus warranting the need for solar-plus-storage projects in the country.