A new partnership between UK-based Octopus Energy Group and Energisa, a prominent electricity and gas utility in Brazil, marks Octopus’ first move into South America.
The two companies will take a three-pronged approach, focusing on knowledge transfer, tech licensing and potential joint ventures, to rapidly deploy cheap, green renewables at scale across the country.
Ricardo Perez Botelho, CEO of Energisa, said: “We are excited to celebrate this strategic partnership with Octopus Energy. This agreement represents not only a collaboration between companies but a joining of efforts towards a greater goal: driving the energy transition and bringing access to energy to communities that do not yet have it.
“Together, we are committed to exchanging knowledge, exploring new business opportunities, and making a difference, promoting a more sustainable and inclusive future for the Brazilian people.”
Octopus’ proprietary technology platform, Kraken, has become the “fastest-growing energy software in the UK”. The platform connects the energy supply chain, enabling the rollout of smart energy products and ensuring smooth integration of assets like wind farms, solar and batteries.
It reduces suppliers’ costs and improves customer service levels. Following the partnership with Energisa, Octopus is contracted to serve over 54 million energy accounts worldwide and manage over 38GW across 180,000 green energy assets in 12 countries.
Energisa is one of Brazil’s largest energy companies and serves over 8.5 million customers across 12 states. It is a world leader in microgrid technology and has pioneered renewables-only systems in Amazonian villages.
Through “(re)energisa”, the company’s innovative energy solution brand, Energisa Group holds 363MWp of installed power in distributed solar generation and 93 operational plants in five states of Brazil and 71MWp of centralised solar generation.
The companies will transfer tech expertise, market insights and best price examples before working together to optimise the management of Energisa’s batteries as well as solar farms.
The final step will see Octopus and Energisa explore the viability of potential joint ventures in Brazil that could include bringing Octopus’ EV charging roaming services ‘Electroverse’ to the country, launching an energy retail business and exploring different flexibility market models.
Innovation in the energy industry stands to benefit the country, where over 600,000 Brazilians are without access to electricity. Greg Jackson, Octopus Energy Group founder, said: “Octopus Energy and Energisa are linking up to learn from each other, especially how cutting-edge tech can benefit Brazil and how to drive sustainable solutions in rural communities.”
