Chilean power utility AES Andes has received the environmental approval to proceed with its 1.2 GW hybrid project in the Taltal commune (northern Chile). The Pampas Hybrid Park consists of wind project with an installed capacity of 140 MW, a 252 MW photovoltaic solar park, and a battery-based energy storage system with a capacity of 624 MW with a duration of up to five hours. The wind project will have 140 MW of installed capacity across 20 pieces of 7 MW turbines. The 252 MW solar plant will be divided into two sections. Investment in the project is estimated at US$ 800m. The construction of Pampas is now scheduled to begin during the H1 of 2025, with an expected operational date during the 1Q 2027.
AES Andes generates and sells energy in Chile, Colombia and Argentina. In Chile, AES Andes and its subsidiaries own and operate 3,544 MW, composed of 1,645 MW thermoelectric, 771 MW hydroelectric, 431 MW wind, 456 MW solar photovoltaic, and 241 MW of battery energy storage systems, in addition to seawater desalination plants and transmission lines.