Spanish renewable energy developer Grenergy has begun construction of a 4.1GWh energy storage project in Chile's Atacama Desert, which it claims will be the largest in the world. The project, called the Atacama Mega-Project, will be carried out in several phases and the total investment is expected to reach $1.4 billion.

Grenergy announced the plans on Tuesday, November 21, and said the project will include a 1GW solar farm, using what type of energy storage equipment has not yet been revealed. The company plans to start production in phases over the next 36 months.

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is the driest place on Earth and has the highest solar irradiance in the world, making it ideal for such projects. David Ruiz de Andres, CEO of Grenergy, said that due to the special conditions of the Atacama Desert, Chile has great potential to develop energy storage and become a global leader in the renewable energy sector.

Grenergy has also signed a 15-year PPA for the project to provide more than 8 MWH of green energy to a subsidiary of COPEC, one of Chile's major fuel distribution companies. This will help ensure the long-term stability of the project, while also contributing to the sustainable development of Chile.

When completed, the project will be able to provide more than 4.1GWh of electricity at peak times, helping to meet Chile's growing energy demand. At the same time, it will also have a positive impact on economic development and job opportunities in the region.

Overall, the Atacama mega-project will be an important milestone in the global renewable energy sector. It demonstrates not only Grenergy's strength and determination in the field of renewable energy, but also Chile's potential and determination in the development of renewable energy and storage technologies. Editor/Xu Shengpeng