Canadian Solar Inc. has announced that its majority-owned subsidiary, CSI Solar Co., Ltd., through its e-STORAGE division, has signed a deal with Chilean energy company Colbún to deliver a 228 MW/912 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for the Diego de Almagro Sur project in Chile’s Atacama Region.
The project will deploy e-STORAGE’s proprietary SolBank 3.0 technology, which features lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, an advanced battery management system with active balancing, and liquid cooling for enhanced safety and performance. In addition to supplying the BESS, e-STORAGE will provide integrated services including project management, commissioning, and long-term maintenance.
Construction is expected to start in June 2025 and create up to 150 jobs at peak. The BESS is slated to begin commercial operations by December 2026, and will be co-located with Colbún’s 232 MW solar plant, operational since 2022, which already includes a smaller 8 MW/32 MWh storage system.
Designed to supply power equivalent to the consumption of around 55,480 households, the system will support renewable integration by delivering grid-forming, black start, and inertia services to Chile’s national grid. The project aims to boost local employment and supply chains while advancing Colbún’s sustainability objectives, thanks to the high efficiency and low environmental impact of SolBank 3.0.
José Ignacio Escobar, CEO of Colbún, stated that the partnership with e-STORAGE positions Colbún as a leader in Chile’s energy storage market, supporting a reliable renewable energy supply for industrial clients. He noted that the project complements existing southern reservoir storage and aligns with the company’s goal of a secure, continuous, and competitive energy transition.
Colin Parkin, President e-STORAGE, highlighted the project as a key step in the company’s Latin American expansion. He emphasized the role of SolBank 3.0 in enhancing grid reliability, maximizing renewable usage, and supporting Chile’s clean energy goals.
