Recently, Jinko ESS and CATL have successively established strategic partnerships with local Brazilian enterprises. Both companies are positioning localized production as a core initiative to participate in Brazil’s Capacity Reserve Auction for Energy Storage (LRCAP 2026), further accelerating the local assembly and supply of battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Jinko ESS Partners with UCB Power to Advance Localized Storage Production
According to foreign media reports on August 31, Jinko ESS signed a cooperation agreement with Brazilian manufacturer UCB Power. The two companies will jointly advance the local production and assembly of battery energy storage systems in Brazil to fully prepare for the country's inaugural capacity reserve auction scheduled for December.
Under the agreement, UCB Power will leverage its manufacturing capabilities in Brazil to handle the local assembly of Jinko ESS products. Initially, the companies plan to commence production at UCB Power's facility in Extrema, Minas Gerais, utilizing "Route 1" under the Brazilian Development Bank's (BNDES) localization framework.
Under the current timeline, the first batch of locally assembled equipment is slated to begin shipping in the first half of 2027, with initial deliveries completed in the second half of the year. This schedule ensures that winning projects can meet regulatory mandates to enter commercial operation before August 1, 2028.
Moving forward, the two partners will evaluate the feasibility of expanding production to UCB's plant in Manaus, Amazonas, depending on auction outcomes and contracted project volumes. Estimates place the potential annual capacity of the Manaus facility between 1.5 GWh and 4.5 GWh.
Beyond the upcoming capacity reserve auction, Jinko ESS has outlined long-term plans for the Brazilian market, with a strong emphasis on the commercial and industrial (C&I) storage segment. Mauro Scarpato noted that off-grid agricultural operations and hospitals requiring reliable backup power represent critical application scenarios. Jinko ESS has already begun expanding its distribution footprint in Brazil through partnerships with local distributors such as Fortlev and JSN/SB Solar.
CATL Collaborates with Moura to Target Brazil’s Storage Auction
On August 25, during The Smarter E South America 2026 exhibition, CATL announced a strategic partnership with South American battery maker Moura to jointly bid in Brazil’s energy storage capacity reserve auction.
Under the agreement, CATL will supply energy storage solutions, while Moura will contribute its local manufacturing expertise and market distribution channels. Working alongside a leading local inverter supplier, the partnership aims to deliver storage solutions that fully comply with local-content requirements.
The consecutive moves by Jinko ESS and CATL signal a key transition for Chinese energy storage companies in Latin America—moving from pure product exports to localized manufacturing and deep service integration. As the December auction date approaches, more Chinese system integrators and inverter manufacturers with technological and scale advantages are expected to enter the market via OEM assembly or local joint ventures.
Source：EnergyTrend
