Energy storage has become a central theme in the Brazilian electricity sector, driven by the growth of renewable sources and the need for grid stability.
In the latest episode of the Papo Solar podcast, promoted by Canal Solar, Huawei experts discussed the opportunities and challenges of the BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) market in Brazil.
The chat was attended by Dr. Roberto Valer, CTO of Huawei DigitalPower Brazil, and André Foster, the company's Research and Development Manager. During the conversation, the guests discussed how BESS can optimize consumption, reduce waste and ensure continuous electricity supply, even during periods of low generation.
In addition, they discussed the topic of the capacity reservation auction with storage, the main innovations in safety and efficiency in the sector and how this technology can contribute to mitigating challenges such as curtailment.
Opportunities and challenges of the BESS market in Brazil
According to Valer, storage is already a consolidated reality in several countries and is beginning to gain traction in Brazil. He highlighted that Batteries can offer various services to the electricity sector, such as frequency regulation, load management and to avoid power cuts.
“BESS has become essential to guarantee the stability of the system, especially with the increase in solar and wind generation. We are beginning to see the first signs of the famous 'duck curve' in Brazil, something that has already been consolidated in other countries,” he said.
The expert explained that the increase in renewable sources poses challenges to the stability of the electrical grid. “Today, in the Northeast and North of Minas Gerais, we have a high concentration of solar and wind power plants, and the lack of stability in the grid compromises the flow of the energy generated. Storage can help minimize this problem, providing greater security to the system.”
Foster added that one of the main challenges for implementing BESS in Brazil is still defining clear regulations. “We have already had two important public consultations and several contributions were made to make the first auction of battery capacity reserves possible. Now, we await the final ordinance from the Ministry of Mines and Energy so that the sector can move forward with greater security.”
Furthermore, one of the main difficulties he mentioned is the lack of technical knowledge about storage technology. “Initially, there was a fear about how batteries could replace thermal power plants. Today, we understand that they can operate in a complementary way, ensuring the stability of the system in critical moments.”
Curtailment and the role of batteries
Another point addressed in Papo Solar was the impact of curtailment on the electricity sector. The phenomenon has been a challenge for solar and wind power plants. According to Huawei's CTO, batteries with Grid Forming technology can be an effective solution to mitigate this problem. “Storage can prevent waste and ensure grid stability so that the energy generated can be distributed.”
The R&D manager added, explaining that – in countries such as Chile and Australia – the use of batteries has allowed for better use of renewable generation. “In Brazil, we are still at the beginning of this process, but the outlook is very positive,” he said.
Safety, efficiency and economic viability
The guests also discussed innovations in security and efficiency in the storage sector. Huawei, which has a strong presence in this market, has developed solutions that extend battery life and improve thermal management of systems.
“Grid Forming technology, for example, allows batteries to emulate the operation of synchronous generators, bringing more stability to the electrical grid,” said Roberto Valer.
André Foster added that, in addition to grid stability, storage systems can be economically advantageous for industrial consumers. “Energy arbitrage and reduction of contracted demand are factors that make investing in BESS increasingly attractive. Depending on the application, the payback can be relatively fast.”
BESS Applications
Regarding energy storage applications, experts highlighted that such technology can be used in different sectors, such as agribusiness, data centers and commercial and industrial consumers. In the agricultural sector, for example, the use of BESS can drastically reduce the use of diesel generators in irrigation systems.
“Today, a farmer can spend thousands of reais on diesel to power his irrigation pumps. With a photovoltaic system integrated with storage, he can reduce this cost significantly and ensure greater predictability in his energy consumption,” highlighted Foster.
In the residential and commercial segments, storage systems can provide greater energy independence and avoid interruptions in times of grid failure. “Whether to guarantee energy in remote locations or to optimize consumption during peak hours, BESS are a viable and sustainable alternative,” Valer stressed.
For the data center sector, batteries can ensure the stability of the energy supply, avoiding outages and operational losses. “Brazil has enormous potential for the data center market, and storage will be essential to guarantee the energy security of these facilities,” he pointed out.7
The future of storage in Brazil
The expectation is that, with the evolution of regulations and the drop in battery costs, the storage market will grow rapidly in the coming years. “We are following international examples, such as Chile, China and England, where BESS already plays a crucial role in the electrical system. In Brazil, we have enormous potential to follow this path and develop a solid and competitive market”, concluded Roberto Valer.
With this, energy storage is consolidated as one of the pillars of the energy transition in Brazil, bringing benefits to consumers, companies and to the security of the national electrical system itself.
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An answer
I have no doubt that for some time now we have seen storage as an excellent alternative. The famous Grid Zero to avoid reverse flow is not the best solution. Just look at the enormous waste of generation capacity in a given location with the adoption of this solution. Research and innovations in the area of batteries are fantastic and already have a returnable value. As for avoiding impacts on the environment, all we need to do is adopt the famous reverse logistics. Engineer, professor, master in electrical engineering sciences - power system - COPPE-Ufrj, designer in energy efficiency, solar energy and electric vehicle charging stations, including a carpot for solar generation.