How Batteries Got Cheaper and Made the Electric Grid More Reliable

New York Times - WorldEN 7 min read 100% complete by Ivan Penn and Ruth FremsonDecember 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM

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long article 7 min

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly being used to enhance electric grid reliability worldwide. Initially deemed expensive and risky, the technology gained traction after a pioneering installation in Chile's Atacama Desert around 2009. These large batteries connect to power lines and renewable energy sources, storing excess power for later use during peak demand. This reduces reliance on costly power plants and transmission lines. The adoption of grid-scale batteries has been driven by the falling prices of lithium-ion technology and the rapid growth of renewable energy, making them a crucial component of modern power grids.

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Key Player Opposition Context

Andes Solar IV 50% United States 60% Atacama Desert ×270% Chile ×480%

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electric grid batteries 100% lithium-ion batteries 90% renewable energy 70% grid reliability 70% energy storage 60% energy prices 50% solar farms 50% atacama desert 40%

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Positive

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New York Times - World

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90%

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Chile

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electric grid batteries lithium-ion batteries renewable energy grid reliability energy storage energy prices solar farms atacama desert

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