Stem, Inc. (NYSE: STEM) announced that its PowerTrack™ Energy Management System (EMS) will be installed at the Granja Solar project in Chile, a 135 MW photovoltaic plant being retrofitted with a 420 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The deployment, carried out with Copec Flux, Copec S.A.’s renewable‑energy subsidiary, creates a utility‑scale solar‑plus‑storage hybrid that can deliver power to Chile’s grid during higher‑value periods, and serves as a reference model for similar projects across Latin America.
Stem and Copec Flux Deploy PowerTrack EMS at Granja Solar
The Granja Solar project, already operating as a 135 MW PV facility, is adding a 420 MWh BESS to become a hybrid solar‑plus‑storage asset. Stem will supply its PowerTrack edge and cloud solutions, which will act as the site’s master control system. The EMS will provide the controls architecture needed to coordinate generation, storage, and dispatch, delivering site‑level monitoring, operational visibility, and data unification.
Matt Tappin, President of Software at Stem, said the partnership “expands the reach of PowerTrack into key Latin American markets” and offers an opportunity to demonstrate how advanced monitoring and controls can improve visibility and streamline operations. Leonardo Ljubetic, Chief Development Officer at Copec, added that the model “reflects where the energy transition in the region is heading: increasingly integrated, intelligent, and flexible renewable energy projects.”
Copec Flux will contribute local market expertise, delivery capabilities, and operational support. The company operates as an independent power producer and provides EPC and O&M services for its renewable portfolio, positioning it as both a customer for the Granja retrofit and a collaborator in Stem’s effort to build a scalable delivery model for the region.
Hybrid Solar‑Plus‑Storage Architecture at Granja Project
The hybrid configuration allows Copec to shift solar output to periods when the national grid values electricity most, enhancing revenue potential and grid stability. PowerTrack’s EMS will manage the integrated asset by:
- Consolidating real‑time data from PV inverters and the BESS.
- Providing a unified control interface for dispatch decisions.
- Enabling remote monitoring and analytics through Stem’s cloud platform.
The system is designed to improve oversight of both generation and storage, supporting more effective operation of the combined asset. Stem’s suite is marketed as “industry‑standard and best‑in‑class” for asset monitoring and optimization, and the Granja deployment will test its ability to handle the complexities of a large‑scale hybrid facility.
Regional Implications for Latin America Hybrid Market
Stem’s entry into Chile marks its first PowerTrack deployment in the Latin American utility‑scale hybrid market. The company plans to use Granja Solar as a reference point for future projects in Chile and Colombia, where demand for integrated solar‑plus‑storage solutions is growing. By pairing its AI‑enabled software with Copec Flux’s local execution capabilities, Stem aims to create a repeatable model for localized delivery and support across the region.
The announcement signals a broader industry trend toward hybrid renewable assets that can provide flexible, dispatchable power. While Stem did not disclose additional project timelines or financial terms, the collaboration suggests a strategic focus on expanding software‑driven control solutions in markets that are still developing large‑scale storage capacity.
Outlook and Next Steps
The Granja Solar hybrid is slated for commissioning later this year, with Stem and Copec Flux targeting a seamless transition from construction to commercial operation. Both companies have indicated that performance data from the PowerTrack EMS will be shared with regional regulators and industry groups to inform policy development around storage dispatch and ancillary services. If the pilot meets its revenue and reliability targets, Stem expects to accelerate its go‑to‑market strategy in Chile, Colombia, and potentially Brazil, leveraging the same cloud‑native architecture to reduce integration timelines for future solar‑plus‑storage retrofits.
Key Takeaways
- Stem’s PowerTrack EMS will serve as the master control system for the 135 MW Granja Solar PV plant and its new 420 MWh battery storage retrofit in Chile.
- Copec Flux will provide local market expertise, EPC, and O&M services, positioning the partnership as a model for future hybrid projects in Chile and Colombia.
- The Granja deployment is Stem’s first PowerTrack installation in Latin America’s utility‑scale hybrid market and is intended to act as a reference for subsequent projects.
EnergyInsyte's Take
The Granja Solar retrofit demonstrates how software‑centric control platforms can enable existing solar farms to add storage and capture higher market value without building new generation assets. Executives should monitor how quickly Stem can replicate this model in other Latin American jurisdictions, as the pace of hybrid project approvals and grid integration policies will affect the scalability of such deployments.
Source: Businesswire
