Chile recorded 2,680 GWh of curtailed solar and wind generation in the first seven months of 2026, the highest level recorded for the January-to-July period, according to the July statistical bulletin from the Chilean renewable energy association Acera. The figure represents a 1.6% increase from the same period in 2025.
Acera’s annual comparison shows cumulative curtailment in 2026 running above the levels recorded in previous years as of July. The association said the data is based on the July 31, 2026 Executive Operating Summary published by Chile’s energy regulator Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional and covers curtailed solar PV and wind generation.
The latest figure represents a record for the January-to-July period rather than a full-year record. Renewable energy curtailment totaled 6,084 GWh in 2025, up 7.8% from 2024, according to Acera’s annual figures. The association said that without the curtailment, wind and solar power would have accounted for 49.4% of Chile’s electricity generation in 2025, compared with the 42.4% actually recorded.
Acera has linked rising curtailment to transmission constraints, insufficient electricity demand during periods of high renewable generation and the need for greater flexibility in Chile’s national electricity system. In its 2025 annual review, the association described curtailment as a structural issue, particularly in northern Chile and during daylight hours.
The July bulletin also highlights continued growth in energy storage. Chile had 2,655 MW/11,250 MWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in operation at the end of July, with another 3,151 MW/14,698 MWh undergoing testing. An additional 5,040 MW/21,721 MWh was under construction.
Of the BESS capacity under construction, 71% was associated with solar PV projects, while 22% consisted of stand-alone storage systems.
Wind and solar accounted for 38.6% of Chile’s electricity generation in July, producing 3,058 GWh. Solar PV generated 1,388 GWh, representing 17.5% of total electricity generation during the month, while wind produced 1,308 GWh, equivalent to 16.5%.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].
Comments
Please login to comment
Giovedì, 1 ottobre 2026
14:30 – 15:30 CEST, Roma
The new issue of pv magazine Global is out now!
Available in print and digital – get your copy today!
Martedì, 22 Settembre 2026
11:00 – 12:00 CEST, Roma
Monday, October 26, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CEST, Berlin, Paris, Madrid
A two-day conference in Austin, Texas, bringing together leaders in US solar manufacturing, equipment specification, and factory execution.
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its clean energy transition—join the SunRise Arabia Clean Energy Conference 2026 in Riyadh to explore how solar PV and energy storage are powering its digital economy.
pv magazine USA hosts its multi-day virtual event on U.S. solar and energy storage, covering domestic manufacturing, distributed energy and the growing role of solar-plus-storage in meeting AI-driven power demand.
You have no items in your basket.
