South America Power Storage Battery

What are the opportunities for battery energy storage systems in Latin America?

The opportunities for battery energy storage systems (BESS) are growing rapidly in Latin America. Below are some key details for those who want to understand and succeed in the BESS market.

How does Latin America's battery capacity compare to the US?

While the U.S. was expected to have nearly 60 GWh of installed battery capacity by the end of 2023, AMI estimates that Latin America had less than 1 GWH of operational BESS projects—a 60x difference. This large gap will be bridged at different speeds based on each country’s specific regulations.

How much battery capacity will Latin America have by 2023?

By the end of 2023, Latin America is expected to have less than 1 GWh of operational BESS projects. In comparison, the U.S. was expected to have nearly 60 GWh of installed battery capacity, a 60x difference. This large gap will be bridged at different speeds based on each country’s specific regulations.

When will Peru's study on energy storage begin?

In January 2024, Peru’s energy and mining investment regulator, Osinergmin, opened a request for a proposal for a study on energy storage. Peru has no existing BESS regulation and is currently evaluating how to move forward with battery storage projects.

Is energy storage legal in Brazil?

Brazil’s regulatory framework does not prohibit energy storage solutions. While there are currently no specific regulations on storage, most BESS applications in Brazil are behind the meter. A proposed law on energy storage aims to encourage front-of-the-meter BESS, but Congress has not prioritized its approval.

Will Chile pay a capacity payment for energy storage projects in 2024?

Chile passed an energy storage and electromobility bill in late 2022, making stand-alone storage projects profitable for operators. The market is still awaiting new rules regarding a capacity payment for storage projects—expected in 2024.