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Atlas Renewable Energy Partners with Hitachi ABB Power Grids on Battery Energy Storage Systems

May 23, 2021 by Alessandro Mascellino

Atlas Renewable Energy has entered a new Collaboration Agreement with Hitachi ABB Power Grids.

The new partnership will see the companies jointly develop and commercialize Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for Atlas’ renewable projects.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids will also join the tenders released by Atlas Renewable Energy for the Engineering Package of the upcoming projects.

 

The world's largest in-stadium solar power plant on the roof of the Tissot Arena in Biel. Image used courtesy of ABB.
The world's largest in-stadium solar power plant on the roof of the Tissot Arena in Biel. Image used courtesy of ABB.

 

Atlas Renewable Energy

Founded in 2004, Atlas is an operating renewable energy company focusing on the development, manufacturing, and operation of solar and wind projects.

In 2017, the company was acquired by renewable energy sources investor Actis, who has since then supported Atlas’ growth in Latin America. 

For context, Actis has completed 46 acquisitions since its creation in 2004, for a total raised value of $12 billion.

Under its guidance, Atlas has delivered over 800 MW of greenfield projects in Latin America that saw the closing of financing across multiple jurisdictions.

According to their website, Atlas utilizes its understanding of the market to structure advantageous bilateral Power Purchase Agreement (Physical PPA) opportunities focused on bankable long-term and stable contracts with credit-worthy sponsors. 

The firm’s management team was reportedly the first to sign a private market bilateral solar photovoltaic system PPA without subsidies.

 

Hitachi ABB Power Grids

ABB is an industrial automation giant with 32 acquisitions under its belt and a total funding amount of $2.7 million.

Its Power Grids subsidiary, however, was acquired by Japanese electronics manufacturer Hitachi in December 2018 for £7.8 billion.

 

An ABB power transformer. Image used courtesy of ABB.
An ABB power transformer. Image used courtesy of ABB.

 

Founded in 1988, ABB Power Grids works on the creation of power and digital technologies, advanced automation systems, and open digital platforms.

The firm operates according to the principle of digitalization of all elements in the energy value chain, and its power grids reflect this in terms of both high specifications and sustainability levels.

The new partnership with Atlas Renewable Energy will now enable the development of energy storage systems leveraging the over three decades of experience from ABB Power Grids.

 

Improving the Efficiency of Renewable Energy Projects

The novel collaboration between Atlas Renewable Energy and Hitachi ABB Power Grids follows a previous project the firms worked on to deliver the first digital substation installed for a solar plant in Latin America.

“Now, we are going a step further into ensuring that all our new projects’ design will have the added value of being conceived with the best BESS and interconnection solution,” commented Fabian Gonzalez, Director of Innovation and Operational Efficiency at Atlas Renewable Energy.

The collaboration will also see Atlas Renewable Energy ensure the most optimal storage system is chosen and adopted into the company’s future renewable projects.

 

ABB’s windmills. Image used courtesy of ABB.
ABB’s windmills. Image used courtesy of ABB.

 

“Usually, choosing and installing the most appropriate BESS solution is an intricate and highly technical process,” Gonzalez added, “but if it is formulated from the start with proper planning and led by experts in integrated solutions, we will be able to ensure a more flexible, reliable, and efficient battery implementation for our projects fleet.” 

The point was echoed by Juan Jose Bonilla, Head of Business Development and O&M at Atlas Renewable Energy.

“Introducing batteries is an important step in further elevating our projects’ technological edge, but our main priority is to have a successful integration,” Bonilla explained. “That is why we decided to find an all-encompassing approach with Hitachi ABB Power Grids.”

For more information about the new partnership, you can follow this link here.

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