Increasing share of wind power and its complementarily with hydropower in the Brazilian interconnected electricity system

Author(s)

Chade, Juliana F. ; Zambon, Renato C. ; Sauer, Ildo L. ; Yeh, William W-G. ; Karvazy, K ; Webster, VL

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2015: Floods, Droughts, and Ecosystems; v. N/A, p. 10-pg., 2015-01-01.

Abstract

The Brazilian electricity system is almost totally interconnected. The main source of power supply is hydroelectric, which has represented, on average, 74% of energy generation during the last twelve months (November 2013 to November 2014). The energy demand in Brazil also is attended by thermal power, which represents 24.7% of generation. The other source of supply to attend the load is wind power, which today represents nearly 1.3% of energy generation. Although it contributes the least to total power generation, it is expected that wind power will increase significantly in the future - it is estimated to represent 7.5% of electric generation in 2018. Due to the droughts of the last three years, thermal power plants were required to operate more frequently to attend the load, incurring extremely high costs to the system. The increasing share of wind power in total power generation requires better knowledge of its characteristics. There is a known seasonal complementarity between the typical hydropower plant inflows and the wind in the Northeast of Brazil. This study analyzes the complementarity between hydro and wind power plants in the South and North regions of the country. To accomplish this, we use historical data from the last six decades from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Brazilian National Power System Operator (ONS). One question we seek to answer is how wind power can contribute to the reduction of expensive thermal generation, particularly during times of low precipitation, as is occurring now in Brazil. Additionally, this study analyzes the wind speed time series data. Specifically, we will study the stationary or trends, seasonality, uncertainties, and regional differences within the time series. The results will be used to support future decision making regarding planning and operation of the Brazilian power system. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/03432-9 - Stochastic optimization with individualized hydropower plants for planning operation of Brazilian hydrothermal system
• Grantee: Renato Carlos Zambon
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research