Chile advances lithium traceability and energy storage capacity

A new report from the OECD highlights the strategic importance of lithium traceability in Chile and Argentina. While Chile accounted for 20.4% of global lithium production in 2024, the report warns that implementing traceability systems is still in its early stages. Challenges include high processing concentration in China and information gaps in the downstream supply chain.

Parallel to mineral developments, Chile is seeing a rapid expansion in energy storage capacity. According to OLACDE, Chile holds two-thirds of the regional battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity. With renewable energy sources like solar and wind providing over 42% of generation in 2025, the country is scaling storage to improve grid flexibility and prevent energy waste. ACERA projects that storage capacity could exceed 10 GW by 2028.