#Brazil #São Paulo #Energy Storage #CATL #TENER Stack

CATL Expands Its Footprint in South America

The power dynamics in South America are shifting significantly, especially in Brazil, where CATL recently showcased its latest technology, the TENER Stack, at The Smarter E South America 2025. This conference marks the largest gathering focused on energy storage solutions in the region, and CATL’s debut is a strategic move to solidify its leading position in the energy sector.

CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited), a global frontrunner in innovative energy storage solutions, has brought forth the TENER Stack, which is renowned as the first stackable energy storage system capable of accommodating a staggering 9 MWh. This technology is adaptable to various CATL cell technologies, demonstrating resilience and efficiency by maintaining stability for up to five years without degradation, even in high-temperature environments. Such features are crucial for combating the diverse climatic challenges in South America, ultimately reflecting CATL's commitment to sustainable energy development across the continent.

Ray See, the CEO of CATL's Energy Storage Division for the Americas, emphasized that Brazil possesses one of the most diverse applications for energy storage systems globally. He stated, “With our proven background in supplying products for a variety of decarbonization applications and strong local partnerships, we are dedicated to accelerating the region’s transition to cleaner energy.”

Brazil's Energy Market Potential

Currently, Brazil is at a pivotal point in its energy landscape, characterized by a renewable-dominated electricity grid and increasing demands for flexible energy solutions. According to BloombergNEF, Brazil is on the brink of a storage revolution and may require over $6 trillion in energy investments by 2050 to meet its net-zero emissions targets. CATL's introduction of the TENER Stack comes timely in response to this rising demand, providing a significant advancement in capacity, flexibility, safety, and acoustic efficiency.

The TENER Stack allows for the complete charging of 45 electric buses with 200 kWh batteries or can power an average Brazilian home for up to six years. It shows a 50% increase in energy density compared to conventional 20-foot storage systems and requires 45% fewer containers to construct an 800 MWh station compared to traditional 5 MWh systems. Its design, which features a “two-in-one” configuration, also enhances handling efficiency, with each container weighing less than 36 tons, adhering to transportation regulations for 99% of global markets. Additionally, its lower center of gravity enhances stability on routes with challenging infrastructure.

Safety and Reliability

Safety remains a top priority in the design of the TENER Stack, which utilizes LFP batteries to ensure thermal stability and features 40% more sensitive gas sensors that can activate firefighting systems 35% faster than conventional sensors. The triple-layer insulation offers up to two hours of fire resistance, while compliance with the rigorous IEEE693 seismic standards means that the system can withstand earthquakes of magnitude 9 and Category 5 hurricanes.

Moreover, its thermal management system effectively disperses heat from the container’s top, keeping noise levels below 65 dB(A), making it suitable for urban settings. The Brazilian and South American energy markets face unique challenges such as frequent electrical network fluctuations, high ambient temperatures, and limited maintenance resources in remote facilities. The TENER Stack is engineered to operate effectively under these harsh conditions. New gas sensors have a lifespan of ten years, reducing operational interruptions in hard-to-reach locations. The redesigned UPS system for containers features autonomous power designs, extending backup time for critical BMS and explosion-proof fans from 20 minutes to two hours during power outages.

Committed to Sustainable Solutions

CATL’s commitment to South America’s sustainable future is evident through its groundwork in Brazil. In 2022, CATL initiated the first large-scale energy storage project in the country, the Energy Storage Project Registro, which has become a benchmark for the energy storage industry in South America after three years of stable operation. Recently, the project has been expanded, marking a new phase of growth for CATL in the local market.

Beyond Brazil, CATL is actively enhancing its global presence, thereby speeding up the industrial expansion while consistently improving its competitive edge across South America. They are currently developing local teams in countries like Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.

In September, a new office will open in Chile, offering localized expertise and support for client innovation. With the TENER series and other cutting-edge energy storage products, CATL continues to break new ground, underscoring its dedication to supporting its South American and global partners in transitioning to more flexible, safe, and sustainable energy solutions. As of the first half of 2025, CATL's Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) have been deployed in over 2,000 projects worldwide, spanning all climate zones and operational environments. The company also ranked first in the global market share of energy storage battery dispatches for the fourth consecutive year in 2024, achieving an implementation capability exceeding 93 GWh.