| Work Detail |
Alexander Gomes, COO of Matrix Energia, discusses grid reliability issues in Brazil and the important role energy storage systems are playing for energy providers and customers.
What factors led Matrix Energia to launch the energy-as-a-service (EaaS) business?
Our goal is to allow clients to focus on their core business, leaving Matrix responsible for the electrical infrastructure. We believe this approach brings more efficiency, as clients can allocate their resources to their main activities while we handle the energy supply, either through the free energy market or with flexible solutions such as energy storage systems.
Can you describe grid reliability issues faced in Brazil and how this affects consumers at all levels?
Both in Brazil and globally, we have seen an increase in extreme weather events, which often compromise energy availability. Recently, for example, in São Paulo, neighborhoods like the East Zone and part of the North Zone experienced difficulties with energy distribution during severe weather events. Our role is to provide secure and stable infrastructure, ensuring that our clients, who are connected to the grid, are not affected by such disruptions.
How important is energy storage to the growth of renewable energy technologies in Brazil?
Energy storage is crucial for complementing renewable energy sources, which are intermittent and not always available. For instance, there is no solar energy generation at night. With storage systems, we can ensure that renewable energy is accessible at any time, making it dispatchable and continuously available, which strengthens the presence of these technologies in the market.
Do you have any projects that you would like to highlight?
The project installed at Frigorífico Cofril represents a significant milestone for Matrix. It is a battery energy storage system (BESS), provided by Huawei, with a capacity of 2 MW of power and 4 MWh of storage, implemented at the Atílio Vivácqua unit in Espírito Santo. This installation is part of our strategy to offer cutting-edge technological solutions that provide not only cost savings for the client but also greater security and flexibility in energy management.
The storage system helped Frigorífico Cofril reduce its energy costs, especially during peak hours when tariffs are higher. In addition, it provided greater stability and reliability in the energy supply, protecting the client from grid interruptions and ensuring continuous operation, even during adverse weather conditions. The inclusion of the storage system further strengthened our partnership with Cofril. Since the client joined the Free Energy Market with us in 2020, this new phase with the BESS was a natural evolution to optimize operations and bring even more benefits. Cofril was extremely satisfied with the system’s performance, both in terms of cost savings and operational security. |
