Exploring the Complementarity of Offshore Wind Sites to Reduce the Seasonal Variability of Generation

Italo Fernandes, Felipe M. Pimenta, Osvaldo R. Saavedra () and Arcilan T. Assireu
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Italo Fernandes: Institute of Electrical Energy, Federal University of Maranhao (UFMA), São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil
Felipe M. Pimenta: Graduate Program of Oceanography, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
Osvaldo R. Saavedra: Institute of Electrical Energy, Federal University of Maranhao (UFMA), São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil
Arcilan T. Assireu: Institute of Natural Resources, Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), Itajubá 37500-903, MG, Brazil

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-24

Abstract: Wind energy is a powerful resource contributing to the decarbonization of the electric grid. However, wind power penetration introduces uncertainty about the availability of wind energy. This article addresses the complementarity of remote offshore wind sites in Brazil, demonstrating that strategic distribution of wind farms can significantly reduce the seasonality and the risk of periods without generation and reduce dependence on fossil sources. Field observations, atmospheric reanalysis, and simplified optimization methods are combined to demonstrate generation improvement considering regions under environmental licensing and areas not yet considered for offshore development. Aggregated power results demonstrate that with the relocation of wind turbines, a 68% reduction of the grid seasonal variability is possible, with a penalty of only 9% of the generated energy. This is accomplished through optimization and the inclusion of the northern region, which presents negative correlations with all other stations. More specifically, the north and northeast of Brazil have large seasonal amplitudes. However, out-of-phase wind regimes with a strong negative correlation ( R < −0.6) and high-capacity factors ( C F ) during the peak seasons occur in Jan-Feb-Mar in the north ( C F > 0.5) and in Aug-Sep-Oct in the northeast ( C F > 0.7). These complementary regimes allow for the introduction of the concept of Reserve Wind Power (RWP) plants, wind farms that can be viewed as “reserve sources” for energy security. These can replace the contracts of thermal reserve plants, with resulting economic and environmental advantages. Our analysis suggests that RWP plants can be 20 to 32% cheaper than thermal reserves in the current market.

Keywords: offshore wind power; renewable resources; atmospheric reanalysis; grid optimization; genetic algorithm; reserve wind power (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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