D’E Capital secures environmental approval for 50 MW / 200 MWh BESS Catemito project in Chile

The 50 MW / 200 MWh BESS Catemito project in San Bernardo, Chile, advances D’E Capital's entry into stand-alone storage, targeting grid flexibility. The estimated $33 million investment for this battery system, slated for connection to the Las Acacias substation at 23 kV, aims to inject energy during peak hours and provide critical ancillary services like frequency control. Despite potential grid congestion in its influence zone, the project's independent operation model suggests a focus on high-value services, potentially mitigating revenue risks associated with energy arbitrage alone. The February 2027 construction declaration deadline and March 2028 commercial operation target indicate a relatively swift development timeline for a project of this scale in the Metropolitan Region. Solar Uno, as the project presenter, drives the development of this BESS, with D’E Capital securing environmental approval. The requirement for Solar Uno to pay 843.6 UF (approximately $33,000) to Sociedad Transmisora Metropolitana for connection costs highlights the financial commitments involved in integrating new storage capacity into Chile's National Electrical System. This 50 MW / 200 MWh BESS project contributes to D’E Capital's stated portfolio goal of enhancing grid flexibility, a growing imperative in Chile as renewable penetration increases. The focus on ancillary services like synthetic inertia suggests a forward-looking approach to grid stability challenges within the Chilean market.