Spanish developer Grenergy has extended the strategic agreement signed earlier this year with BYD, a high-tech multinational company, for the supply of large-scale storage systems for its Oasis de Atacama solar/battery hybrid in Chile.
The agreement now also includes phase 3 of the site, bringing the total capacity to 3GWh and making it the Asian multinational’s largest agreement to date.
As part of the collaboration, BYD will supply Grenergy with its MC Cube model for the 200MW Victor Jara project.
It is scheduled to arrive at the Chilean facility in the second quarter of 2025 and to start operating in the same year.
This agreement includes a total of 537 containers, equivalent to the storage capacity of more than 9000 electric buses and a range of more than 1.6 million kilometres.
The latest initiative is a continuation of the first and second phases of Oasis de Atacama (pictured), which was signed earlier this year.
Phase 1 has recently passed the FAT check process, which certifies the correct functioning of the batteries for shipment.
Located in northern Chile, Oasis de Atacama is the world’s largest storage project, said Grenergy.
The project already has 75% of its energy contracted through long-term contracts (PPAs) and the first phase is expected to be connected by the end of 2024, with the remaining phases mostly connected by 2025, it added.
“The extension of this strategic agreement with BYD marks a key milestone in our expansion plans, driving storage projects on an unprecedented scale,” said Grenergy chief executive David Ruiz de Andrés.
“We continue to consolidate our vision of a more efficient and sustainable energy system with technology that responds to the current and future challenges of the sector,” he added.
BYD Energy Storage general manager Yin Xiaoqiang said: “Our partnership with Grenergy exemplifies our shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, and I am immensely proud of what we are achieving together.
“With a shared vision, we are set to redefine the landscape of energy storage and drive progress toward a greener tomorrow.”