The implementation of robotic and 100% customized technologies in GC (centralized generation) solar plants has shown a direct impact on cost reduction (OPEX) and an increase in the efficiency of operations in these types of projects.
In an exclusive interview to Canal Solar, Rodrigo Antonio Panham, Asset Manager from EDP Renováveis, highlighted that solutions such as autonomous robots and the use of AI (artificial intelligence) for vegetation control and equipment monitoring not only optimize processes, but also improve safety in the field and guarantee a greater financial return for projects.
The executive also spoke of the importance of companies in the sector forming partnerships with startups and universities to develop robotic and personalized solutions to meet the specific needs of each solar park.
The interview was given by the professional last Thursday during the 4th edition of the Solar O&M Forum, held by Blue Ocean Business Events, at Novotel Center Norte, in São Paulo.
The event brought together executives, renewable energy project developers, manufacturers, suppliers and ISPs (independent service providers) to discuss trends, operational challenges and best practices in the solar and wind energy O&M segment.
The program included debate s, presentations of real cases and exclusive networking sessions, with a strategic vision from several multinationals regarding the future of operation and maintenance in the renewable energy sector in Brazil.
Check out the main excerpts from the interview below:
Canal Solar: What are the main challenges and what can we expect from the future of O&M services in centralized generation? What is your vision on the subject?
Rodrigo Panham: In centralized generation, I see an immense opportunity for the application of new technologies.
One example is artificial intelligence, which, although still a relatively new concept, represents the way to maximize efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Another relevant point is robotization, which tends to significantly improve OPEX, especially by reducing the need for professionals in the field.
This is crucial in vegetation control, an area that, in addition to being costly, is associated with the majority of health and safety accidents in the sector.
Today, there is still a lack of commercial scale for the implementation of autonomous robots in centralized parks, but the potential is enormous for new developers.
For example, we partnered with a university in Spain to develop a robot capable of operating in our plant with the same efficiency as a tractor, but with greater autonomy.
This type of equipment is not yet available on the market, but it is something that undoubtedly has a promising space for developers.
And are partnerships with startups a good option for companies?
Without a doubt. This is currently the most viable alternative. There are success stories, such as ours and that of Iberdrola in Spain, which has also adopted a similar approach.
Startups, in partnership with universities, represent the ideal path to develop robotic and personalized solutions for solar parks.
In Brazil, we still do not have major brands specialized in vegetation control that meet the specific demands of each park.
Often, the complexity of the terrain and drainage systems makes the use of tractors or even conventional labor unfeasible. However, with the help of robots, these operations become viable and efficient.
I believe this is a significant opportunity that developers and startups can start exploring in Brazil, filling an important gap in the market.
You mentioned artificial intelligence. Can you give a practical example of how it can optimize O&M processes in solar parks?
A great example is the digital IV curve analysis of solar park performance. This technology allows you to remotely identify the main critical points in a solar park, something that a thermographic or visual inspection cannot accurately detect. It is an incredible AI opportunity that companies like Huawei are already exploring in the market.
And what would be the impact in of cost optimization?
I will mention the case of Pereira Barreto with the case of robotization, where we used five tractors and six people to control the vegetation in the park. With one robot, we were able to do the work equivalent to 2,5 tractors.
Furthermore, the robot becomes a CAPEX, not an OPEX, which offers a return on investment in approximately one year. Considering that the equipment can be used for 10 or 15 years. This is a very significant benefit.
What was the cost reduction in this case?
We were able to reduce our OPEX by 30%, which is quite significant. The acquisition of agricultural machinery and equipment by the investor may seem like a high cost at first, but with a payback in two years and a 25-year operation, it is well worth it.
So, is the popularization of robotization, with a reduction in dependence on human operations, a trend with no turning back?
Absolutely. There is still a lot of room for companies to explore in this field of robotics. As I mentioned, robotics may not be feasible for all parks, but customized solutions, developed in partnership with startups and universities, can meet the specific needs of each project.
Issues such as stake height, tractor and robot maneuvering angles, and space between plates need to be analyzed on a case-by-case basis to ensure operational efficiency. Therefore, we see customized robotics, together with developers and startups, as an excellent solution.
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Answers of 2
I know the importance of technology, but what is most worrying will be the loss of jobs, especially in third world countries where social policies are used to elect politicians and maintain government systems.
I believe that mutual effort is necessary so that we can generate jobs and coexist with technology.
Technology is here to stay. Now a new world is opening up for investors. In the short term, outsourced O&M companies cannot invest at the same speed as technology advances; contracts will have to be renegotiated.