Automa, a leader in renewable energy technology, is transforming power generation in Brazil and Europe. With advanced solutions for hydro, wind, and solar plants, Automa is driving the global energy transition. Read the exclusive interview with the Founder and European Sales Director
Brazil stands out on the global stage for its leadership in renewable energy, with almost 90% of its electricity generation capacity coming from renewable sources. This exceptional achievement places the South American nation among the select few countries where energy production is predominantly green. Over the years, Brazil has cultivated unparalleled expertise in renewable energy technologies, with companies like Automa leading the charge.
Founded 18 years ago by Marcelo Ferreira, an ambitious young engineer, Automa emerged at a time when renewable energy in Europe was still in its infancy. The company transformed Brazil’s energy sector, pioneering software solutions that optimize energy production from renewable sources. Now celebrating its 18th anniversary, Automa is venturing into the international market, establishing its first European headquarters in Porto, Portugal, with plans to open a commercial hub in Madrid.
In this exclusive interview with Rinnovabili, the CEO Marcelo Ferreira and the European Sales Director Giorgio Inforzato share insights into Automa’s journey and its plans for the future.
Mr. Ferreira, what inspired you to start Automa?
Automa began in 2006 as a small project created in a university dorm room, without any initial funding. My goal was simple but ambitious: to develop software that could make hydroelectric power plants more efficient. At the time, Brazil relied almost entirely on hydroelectric power, as wind and solar energy were virtually non-existent.
Over time, our software became a standard in the industry. By leveraging custom-built algorithms, we optimized critical components of power plants, allowing them to produce more energy. About 12 years ago, when wind energy began to gain traction in Brazil, we were already working with major players in the energy sector. We adapted our solutions to wind power, expanding our reach. Later, when solar energy projects took off, particularly with companies like Enel Green Power, our technologies were applied to large-scale photovoltaic plants. This progression solidified our reputation as a leader in renewable energy technology within Brazil.
How has Automa evolved over the years?
(Mr. Ferreira) Today, Automa employs 250 talented professionals, including over 200 engineers dedicated to research, development, and project implementation. We also manage approximately 50 remote control centers for utilities and oversee nearly 25% of Brazil’s installed energy capacity, totaling 40 gigawatts. This journey has established us as specialists in multi-technology processes, excelling in hydroelectric, wind, and solar energy systems.
What do you consider the key factors behind Automa’s success?
(Mr. Ferreira) One of the main drivers of our success is the flexibility of our solutions. We often compare them to LEGO bricks: each piece fits perfectly and can be combined to build something truly remarkable. This level of customization is invaluable to the large corporations we work with, enabling them to address their unique challenges efficiently.
Why did you decide to expand into the European market?
(Mr. Ferreira) Many of our clients in Brazil are European companies with global operations. Over the years, these clients have encouraged us to bring our expertise beyond Brazil. This move isn’t just about growth, it’s also about maintaining our existing relationships. Many large energy companies prefer global partnerships with their suppliers. By meeting this need, we ensure our continued relevance in Brazil while tapping into new opportunities abroad. Entering Europe allows us to position ourselves not just as an experienced renewable energy company but as a trusted partner already recognized by major players in the region.
Mr. Giorgio Inforzato (Sales Director EU), how does Automa’s technology stand out in Europe?
Our multi-technology expertise and adaptability are what set us apart. While Europe imports high-quality hardware like inverters and modules, there’s a gap in advanced software solutions. Our SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system is one of the few that can be tailored to a client’s specific needs. It integrates seamlessly with cybersecurity protocols and handles complex configurations like PV systems, batteries, and wind energy, all connected at a single point.
The European market presents additional challenges due to its regulatory diversity. With 27 countries, each with its own rules for distribution and transmission, our presence in Portugal allows us to provide direct support to clients navigating these complexities.
How can Automa contribute to Europe’s decarbonization goals?
(Mr. Inforzato) Europe has set an ambitious target of installing 600 gigawatts of renewable energy over the next five years, a figure 12 times greater than Brazil’s capacity. Automa’s solutions are essential for achieving this goal. Renewable energy plants require robust monitoring and control systems, and our technology ensures faster commissioning and optimized performance. By enabling quicker project rollouts, we help accelerate Europe’s shift toward clean energy.
(Mr. Ferreira) Every photovoltaic plant requires a system for monitoring alarms and controlling measurements. This is where we step in to help enable new renewable energy plants in Europe, delivering solutions with incredibly short turnaround times. This means power plants can begin generating energy sooner, accelerating the energy transition.
Since the beginning of Automa, we’ve been driven by the goal of maximizing energy production from power plants. That’s why we develop advanced algorithms for automated distribution, which significantly reduce response times when managing potential failures. Over the years, we’ve achieved remarkable results in improving power plant efficiency, and we’re confident that these capabilities will greatly contribute to the energy transition.
Will your technology need certification in Europe?
(Mr. Ferreira) Yes, some of our products will need adjustments to comply with local regulations and certifications. However, we’re confident in our ability to meet these requirements, especially in key markets. Automa was forged in one of the world’s most challenging renewable energy environments, Brazil, and that experience has prepared us to succeed in Europe.
As an Italian, how do you view the potential of Italy’s energy market for Automa?
(Mr. Inforzato) Italy is one of Europe’s leading markets for renewable energy development. It’s a country with high-quality solutions, and we’re committed to delivering technologies that meet those standards. By ensuring systems operate smoothly, we aim to play a key role in Italy’s energy transition.
