The storage system charges during nighttime hours when UTE grid supply derives almost entirely from renewable sources, then discharges between 17:00 and 21:00 hours to serve the shopping center during peak national demand periods when non-renewable generation increases. General manager Alex Malachowski confirmed the facility represents the country’s largest commercial battery bank, establishing precedent for private-sector energy management infrastructure.
Carlos Lecueder, board member at Nuevocentro Shopping, stated the battery bank marks an important precedent in the private sector and demonstrates concrete solutions for more efficient and responsible energy use are achievable. The system will offset grid consumption equivalent to 140 households during peak hours throughout the year.
The deployment extends Nuevocentro Shopping’s energy efficiency trajectory initiated during construction. The 2019 expansion incorporated highly efficient technology and achieved ISO 50001 energy management certification in 2020. These initiatives reduced the global energy consumption indicator by 50 percent and secured the 2021 National Energy Efficiency Award from MIEM. Over the past six years, infrastructure and operational improvements delivered savings exceeding 1.8 million kWh, equivalent to annual consumption of 490 households, while avoiding 49.1 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The shopping center will implement ISO 14064 carbon footprint measurement and management protocols in 2027 to continue environmental impact reduction efforts. The battery storage project operates without dependence on climatic factors, enabling consistent energy arbitrage and demand response capabilities. The deployment occurs as Uruguay develops regulatory frameworks for distributed storage participation in ancillary services markets and grid flexibility mechanisms.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
