Colbún & RheEnergise sign Chilean long-duration storage agreement

Colbún, the third largest power generation company in Chile, has signed an agreement with RheEnergise, the UK clean technology company, to explore the potential deployment of RheEnergise’s long-duration hydro-energy storage, known as ‘High-Density Hydro’ (HD Hydro).

Colbún and RheEnergise will work together to evaluate the feasibility of building a 10MW, 10-hour HD Hydro system in Chile.  Colbún sees the deployment of RheEnergise’s HD Hydro as a way to “complement its existing portfolio of hydro, wind and solar projects”, a statement said.

RheEnergise's HD Hydro technology is particularly attractive in Chile because it is not affected by water scarcity risks. It represents RheEnergise’s first commercial venture in South America - the company will undertake investigations and technical studies of potential sites for its technology, while Colbún will provide RheEnergise with local market knowledge, advice on planning and permitting and on utility connections.

Subject to the outcome of this work, to be carried out over the next 12 months, the two companies are aiming to have their first 10MW scheme in commercial operation by 2030.

Stephen Crosher, chief executive of RheEnergise said: “We are delighted that Colbún, one of the leading renewable energy companies in South America, has chosen to partner RheEnergise.  Colbún recognises the value that LDES offers to their existing renewables assets and how LDES can support the company’s growth. Our HD Hydro technology can provide Colbún with medium and long duration energy storage, can quickly and easily be constructed and can help Colbún achieve its net zero and sustainability goals.”

Diego García, Colbún’s innovation manager said: “Innovation is key for the energy transition. Technological advances in solar and wind power makes them the leading sources of green energy in many parts of the world. Now, we need new storage solutions to cope with the intermittency of renewable energy, and the technology that RheEnergise is developing could have a key role in this regard.”