Grid operators see "historic opportunity" for renewables and storage in Latin America

National grid operators across Latin America assess that the region is experiencing an unprecedented window of opportunity for expanding renewable energy combined with battery storage systems. The assessment, shared at a recent industry event, reflects a convergence of factors making the moment particularly favorable: steep declines in lithium battery costs, technological maturity of solar and wind projects, and the pressing need to modernize aging transmission infrastructure. The outlook aligns with the acceleration of storage auctions in key markets such as Brazil and the advancement of green hydrogen projects that will require firm backup capacity. Operators caution, however, that realizing this opportunity depends on integrated cross-border planning and tariff frameworks that adequately compensate the flexibility and capacity reserve services that batteries can provide.