In María Elena, Antofagasta Region, Generadora Metropolitana —owned by AME and EDF power solutions Chile— officially began construction of Dune Plus, one of the largest energy storage projects in Chile.
The initiative integrates the Dune and La Pampina projects: the first includes a 333 MW BESS system with 4-hour duration, and the second a 186 MWp photovoltaic plant and a 175 MW BESS system with 4-hour duration. Together, they will include 406 battery containers, more than 297,000 panels, and over 150 transformers across a total area of 186 hectares.
Dune Plus secured financing from international banks under a non-recourse project finance structure, including a term loan and associated guarantees from BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, MUFG Bank, Ltd., Société Générale, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, in addition to a VAT loan granted by Banco de Crédito e Inversiones.
“With this project, we reaffirm our commitment to decarbonization by delivering clean energy and strengthening system security. Dune Plus marks a milestone for Generadora Metropolitana, not only because of its scale and complexity, but also because it has international financial backing that will allow us to consolidate our growth, storage capacity, and leadership in the energy transition in Chile,” said Diego Hollweck, CEO of Generadora Metropolitana.
Energy from Dune Plus will supply a 15-year, 1,000 GWh contract with Codelco, one of the largest mining companies in the world, and will be injected into Chile’s National Electric System.
Cesar Norton, president of AME, stated: “The launch of Dune Plus reaffirms Generadora Metropolitana’s ability to deliver complex projects that combine innovation, sustainability, and long-term vision. It is concrete proof of how Chile can lead the integration of renewable energy and large-scale storage, strengthening its competitiveness and energy security. At AME, we remain committed to driving initiatives that raise the standards of the energy transition and position Chile as a global key player.”
EDF power solutions Chile highlighted the impact of the project, which reflects the company’s industrial expertise. Joan Leal, CEO of EDF power solutions
Chile, emphasized that “Dune Plus is a concrete example of our vision and capability to drive large-scale and innovative projects that make a real contribution to the energy transition. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting strategic companies such as Codelco in their decarbonization process and to building a safer and more sustainable energy system.”