The integration of batteries into renewable energy projects is not simply a technological complement to solar plants. For EPC contractors, the development of hybrid projects introduces a completely different logic of engineering, construction, procurement, and operation.
This is the view of Juan Bautista Garrahan , current Project Manager of Grupo Zenit , who warns that solar projects with storage should be approached practically as two different plants.
“We treat hybrids as if they were practically two different plants, because they have a different logic and supply chain than the solar park,” Garrahan argues.
As he explains, although there are similarities between the two technologies, the incorporation of batteries modifies a significant part of the project's design. The equipment, construction processes, control systems, and technical requirements associated with operation all change.
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“Beyond having certain similarities, the equipment varies considerably from the site and has a different construction logic. So, I think it’s important to consider it as two separate constructions, two separate floors,” he points out.
The executive points out that one of the main lessons for construction companies is related to the storage systems themselves: battery cooling, charge and discharge cycle control, energy management and injection controllers.
“You have to learn everything related to battery cooling systems, to different technical issues that batteries require but a solar park doesn't. The introduction of an energy injection controller and the control of battery charging cycles also come into play,” he explains.
According to Garrahan, this technological change forces EPC contractors to incorporate new knowledge and capabilities, especially in a context where storage is beginning to gain ground in regional market discussions.
In Argentina, however, the executive notes that there are still few hybrid projects designed from the outset with that configuration. While acknowledging the activity and anticipation following the recent tenders, he clarifies that the profitability of storage still depends heavily on the specific business case.
“In Argentina, there are few hybrid projects that are born as hybrid projects. The truth is that the waste generated so far is not enough to pay for that battery project, that storage,” he states.
Grupo Zenit's focus comes at a time of strong expansion for the company in the country. According to Garrahan, the company began with projects in Chile and had its first hybrid experience there in 2022. But since 2024, it has gained more traction in Argentina, coinciding with a new phase of renewable energy development and a slowdown in some segments of the Chilean market.
“We started with projects in Chile. In fact, the first hybrid we worked on was in 2022 in Chile. And from there, in this new stage of renewables in Argentina, the company gained much more strength here in the country,” he recalls.
Local growth was significant. Garrahan states that during the last year, Grupo Zenit installed more than 400 MW in Argentina and reached over 300 employees at its peak.
“Last year we installed more than 400 megabytes here in the country,” he explains. He adds, “At our peak, we had over 300 employees last year.”
The company participates in large-scale projects and distributed generation initiatives, including developments linked to the RENMDI (National Network of Distributed Generation Infrastructure). Based on this experience, it now seeks to expand its regional presence.
Among the markets under analysis are Chile, Mexico, and Ecuador. In the case of Chile, the company maintains interest despite the slowdown in PMGD projects, especially due to opportunities related to energy storage. At the same time, it sees new growth opportunities in other countries in the region.
“Today we are looking to expand into other countries. In Chile, despite this slowdown, we continue to seek a stronger foothold, now with all this talk about batteries and energy storage, both in PMGD (Small Means of Distributed Generation) and in projects. We are also looking at Mexico and Ecuador,” says Garrahan.
One of the key differentiators highlighted by the executive is that Grupo Zenit has its own personnel and machinery for project construction. According to his analysis, this structure allows for greater flexibility in expanding into new markets and responding to diverse client needs.
“Our distinguishing feature is that we have all our own staff and machinery for the construction of projects. This gives us a lot of flexibility when it comes to moving to another country to build,” he explains.
For Garrahan, that operational capacity can be key in emerging markets or in countries bordering Argentina, where logistics are simpler and where companies look for contractors with proven experience in renewable projects.
The advancement of energy storage, however, presents an additional challenge. Knowing how to build solar farms is no longer enough. New projects demand specific technical capabilities, differentiated planning, and a comprehensive approach to two technologies that coexist but do not behave in the same way.
In that sense, Grupo Zenit's message points to a transformation of the role of EPC contractors in the region: those who want to participate in the hybrid market will have to incorporate new skills, understand the logic of batteries and prepare for more complex projects from a technical and operational point of view.
“It introduces many new technical terms,” summarizes Garrahan, describing the leap involved in going from a traditional solar plant to a hybrid project with storage.