Chile Opens 2,835 GWh Energy Tender to Clean Power & Batteries

Chile is rolling out the welcome mat for clean energy in a big way, opening a tender for 2,835 gigawatt-hours of annual electricity supply that explicitly welcomes renewable projects and battery storage systems.

The National Energy Commission approved final terms for the 2026/01 Supply Tender, which will provide power to regulated customers across the country. What makes this tender special is how it levels the playing field for clean energy while blocking the dirtiest options.

Coal, petcoke, diesel, and heavy fuel oil are completely banned from participation. Natural gas remains eligible, but the door swings wide open for solar, wind, hydropower, and cutting-edge battery storage systems to compete head-to-head.

For the first time, energy storage gets explicit recognition as a standalone solution. Battery systems can back supply commitments just like traditional power plants, provided they connect to Chile's National Electric System and have enough capacity to deliver.

The rules are designed to be practical, not just aspirational. Renewable projects must prove they can deliver using conservative estimates, with a 90% probability that actual output will meet or exceed their promises. Storage systems must base their projections on one daily charge-discharge cycle rather than optimistic scenarios.

Projects can mix and match too. A solar farm paired with batteries can bid together, with each component separately reported to show exactly where the energy comes from.

The tender divides Chile into four zones from north to far south, with the central region claiming the largest share at 1,799 GWh across both blocks. The northern zone gets 263 GWh total, while southern regions receive 534 GWh and 239 GWh respectively.

The Ripple Effect

This tender signals how countries can transition away from fossil fuels without compromising reliability. By treating batteries as legitimate backup power and setting strict fuel exclusions, Chile shows that clean energy can compete on merit while dirty fuels get phased out.

The approach could inspire other nations struggling to balance climate goals with energy security. When storage systems get the same respect as conventional power plants, the entire renewable sector gains credibility with utilities and investors.

Winning suppliers must prove financial backing and development progress for new projects. If construction delays threaten timelines, they must secure temporary backup from existing clean facilities, ensuring customers never face shortages.

Bids close December 4, 2026, with contract awards announced January 13, 2027. Chile is proving that the clean energy future doesn't require choosing between reliability and sustainability.