The energy storage market in Peru is at a decisive stage.
With the approval of Law 32249 , the country incorporated a framework that allows for energy and power arbitrage , giving way to new opportunities for technologies such as BESS .
As a technical complement, the PR20 procedure establishes specific operational requirements for all new renewable energy installations connected to the electrical grid from 2028 onward. "It's not a law per se, but rather a technical regulation, though it's colloquially known as the 'inertia law,'" explained Carol Miranda , sales manager at Comcore Technology , a company that manufactures energy storage solutions, in an interview with Energía Estratégica. She further detailed that PR20 was issued by COES (Committee for Economic Operation of the National Interconnected System) and requires new plants to comply with frequency and voltage regulation requirements. Within this framework, COES has established that, starting January 1, 2028, all generation plants must contribute synthetic inertia to the SEIN (National Interconnected Electrical System) .
This means that renewable technologies such as solar and wind power will need to incorporate systems that stabilize the grid in the face of disturbances .
And the most efficient solution is clear: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) . As Miranda specified, the procedure requires that the installations respond in less than 100 milliseconds, a parameter that positions BESS as the priority solution.
"BESS systems are the most optimal and flexible solution for stabilizing the network during that critical time," he said.
In addition to enabling the safe integration of variable renewable generation, BESSs provide economic value.
"This law updates market conditions so that the system can arbitrage energy," the executive stated, referring to the possibility of storing energy during off-peak hours and injecting it when prices rise, thus facilitating energy arbitrage. Miranda affirmed that these types of schemes are already operational in markets like Chile and Australia , where BESS systems exist that are dedicated exclusively to selling stability services , even independently of photovoltaic or wind power plants. "These business models are already established in other countries, and they are beginning to emerge in Peru," she added. Comcore confirmed that they are already receiving inquiries from generating companies , including hydroelectric plants, interested in implementing storage solutions.
This responds not only to regulatory compliance but also to new operational opportunities. In technical terms, PR20 requires that BESS connections be established in less than 20 milliseconds and that firm power be available in less than 50 milliseconds .
Miranda emphasized that not all technologies on the market meet these standards : some only offer basic components and fail to deliver energy at the required speed. "The standard requires critical seconds, and many solutions aren't equipped for that," he pointed out. In contrast, he explained that Comcore offers ready-to-install "all-in-one" systems that include a BMS, ramp control, voltage regulation, protection, and fast frequency response . "Our system delivers energy at the speed required by PR20," he asserted. Regarding costs, he indicated that the average price of a BESS ranges from $180 to $300 per kWh, depending on the technology, the scale of the project, and the integration of components.
Although he acknowledged that the initial investment may be high, he estimated that the return could be achieved within four to five years due to low operating costs and market opportunities. Despite regulatory progress, he noted that key challenges to mass adoption remain.
Among them is the lack of specific compensation for inertia and frequency services , unlike in Australia or California, where there are defined payments for these services.
“In Peru, we only have this regulation and the renewable energy promotion law,” he commented. He also warned about the lack of clear market rules to incentivize investment. “The PR20 procedure tells you what must be done technically, but it doesn’t establish how commercial integration or remuneration for these services will work,” he pointed out. He also mentioned that initial financing remains a barrier for many companies.
While BESS systems are becoming increasingly competitive, the market still prioritizes low prices over efficiency and technical performance , which may limit the deployment of more advanced solutions. "If the right signals are sent, Peru could position itself among the regional leaders in energy storage," Miranda concluded. In this context, the Future Energy Summit (FES) Peru will be held on September 29th , an event that will bring together key players in the energy sector to discuss energy transition, energy storage, and system stability.
The event is shaping up to be a key forum for strengthening regulatory and business dialogue surrounding the country's energy future. The program will feature strategic insights from leading figures such as Marco Fragale , CEO of Orygen , and Walter Sciutto , CEO of Pluz Energía Perú , who will address the opportunities and challenges of the local market.
From the field of transmission and distribution, Cristian Remolina , general manager of ISA Energía , and César Butrón , president of the board of directors of COES , will offer perspectives on the infrastructure and balance of the electrical system.
Renewable energy generation will be analyzed by leaders such as Guillermo Grande , CEO of EDF Peru, Brendan Oviedo and Jaime Toledo , general manager for South America at Acciona Energía , along with representatives of manufacturers and technology providers with a global reach such as Christopher Atassi, CEO of Gonvarri Solar Steel , Luis Miguel Castillo of Solax Power , Fernando López of Trinasolar , Alberto Cuter of Jinko Solar and Franco Postigo of Canadian Solar .
Also participating will be Ricardo Garro , Latin America commercial director of CATL , Luciano Silva of Trina Storage , Nicol Pomalia of CAPO Energy , Luis Contreras of Yingli Solar and Angie Salom of FMO .