One of the first grid-connected battery storage systems is to be integrated in Uruguay’s electricity system.

The distributed energy resources comprised of solar PV, batteries and remote monitoring technologies are being installed on a dairy farm in the Colonia Delta area, approximately 100km west of the capital Montevideo.

The project, which among its aims include reducing the farm’s operating costs, also includes the installation of solar panels supplying electricity to an additional farm and five public buildings in the community.

The electricity required to produce milk is one of the highest costs for dairy farmers. Based on the billing history of Colonia Delta farms, the proposed distributed energy systems could produce up to 90% of their annual energy consumption and lower energy bills by up to 70%.

Around one-third of the country’s dairy farms are family-owned, low production businesses with limited access to investment capital, land and technology. The energy savings created by the integration of these technologies should demonstrate their potential in providing increased profitability and competitiveness for the sector.

The integration of batteries to the national grid in Uruguay has recently been authorised. A key intent of the project is to provide a learning experience for the state power utility UTE, paving the way for the broader integration of battery storage connected to renewables, according to a statement.

The initiative is being led by Hydro-Québec and Enel X and funded by the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership in collaboration with UTE and the municipality of San José, where Colonia Delta is located.