Matrix Energia enables storage-as-a-service for Brazil’s commercial consumers

To unlock new business in battery energy storage, São Paulo-headquartered Matrix Energia is betting on a model that has been successful in the small-scale, “distributed-solar” generation market: energy as a service (EaaS).

With this approach – which involves Matrix supplying energy on a subscription basis without charging for the equipment concerned – the company has closed agreements to supply 30 MWh by May 2024.

“It’s a new technology in Brazil although it’s already widespread worldwide,” Matrix Energia executive Gledson Torquato told pv magazine. “No one wanted to be the first to test it so last year [2023] we started studying the approach that would have the best adoption, which is why we offered 100% of our investment. The first implementations took place at the beginning of this year. So today it’s much easier to demonstrate it to potential new customers.”

The executive said that, since Matrix has made its own investment, the company carefully evaluated its suppliers and currently has a partnership with Huawei, which supplies the batteries for the projects.

One of Matrix’s first clients, the Santo Amaro municipal market in São Paulo, known as Santo Mercado, faced problems with power outages during its first year of operation, from late 2022.

“We needed to provide more security for our operators,” said Santo Mercado director Sonia Keiko. “Since we are a market focused on the gastronomic experience, we deal with perishable products and so we really need to have a very stable network.” The executive said, in addition to reliable power supply, the 400 kWh battery also generated savings that were passed on to store owners. “This is very important for my business because I end up having fewer expenses and my enterprise becomes more attractive,” added Keiko.

Matrix Energia’s largest battery project, with a storage capacity of 4 MWh, was installed for Cofril, a meatpacking plant in Espírito Santo.

Cofril has been a client of Matrix since 2020 by operating in Brazil’s “free energy market,” which opens up the supply of electricity from providers other than traditional utilities. The meatpacking business has expanded its partnership with Matrix to energy storage.

The project was negotiated by Lumes Energia, Matrix’s commercial partner in Espírito Santo, which also carried out the 60-day equipment installation infrastructure work. Cofril made floorspace available for the installation and Matrix and Lumes were responsible for civil-, mechanical-, and electrical-structure investment.

Load management

Matrix can offer commercial clients solutions such as uninterrupted energy delivery and intelligent consumption management by using its batteries.

Cofril reduced its energy costs by taking advantage of lower, time-dependent electricity rates and by replacing diesel generators with a cleaner, more efficient system.

“Having cheaper energy means a better price to compete in the market,” said José Carlos Correa, CEO of Frigorífico Cofril. “With the fierce competition we have in the segment today, ensuring the best price for energy allows us to compete better. If we compare it to the supply of the traditional market, the free energy market provides savings of around 30% to 35%. In addition to these savings, with the installation of a BESS [battery energy storage system] we have a physical guarantee of energy within our facilities. Even if we have power outages in the region, we ensure our operations are fully operational.”

Cofril’s BESS represents a significant expansion of Matrix Energia’s EaaS business unit. The technology provides the company with greater versatility and customization possibilities to meet different sectors and needs, from small markets to large, market-leading meatpacking plants. Contracts are adaptable, ensuring mutual benefits during long-term partnerships.

Matrix’s BESS management is enhanced by a digital platform that provides real-time visibility of energy performance. Detailed reports and ongoing technical support ensure complete control over customer energy operations.

From pv magazine Brasil.