Hydropower Enhancing the Future of Variable Renewable Energy Integration: A Regional Analysis of Capacity Availability in Brazil

Simone Quaresma Brandão (), Erik Eduardo Rego, Rafaela Veiga Pillar and Renata Nogueira Francisco de Carvalho
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Simone Quaresma Brandão: Department of Production Engineering and Operations Management, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Almeida Prado, 128, São Paulo CEP05508-070, SP, Brazil
Erik Eduardo Rego: Department of Production Engineering and Operations Management, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Almeida Prado, 128, São Paulo CEP05508-070, SP, Brazil
Rafaela Veiga Pillar: Empresa de Pesquisa Energética, Praça Pio X, 54, Rio de Janeiro CEP20091-040, RJ, Brazil
Renata Nogueira Francisco de Carvalho: Department of Production Engineering and Operations Management, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Almeida Prado, 128, São Paulo CEP05508-070, SP, Brazil

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-13

Abstract: As the share of variable renewables in the power system generation mix increases, meeting capacity requirements becomes challenging. In this context, hydropower reservoirs can play a vital role in integrating renewable energy due to their storage potential, contributing to meeting power supply criteria. However, given that reservoirs serve multiple purposes, various constraints can limit their capacity potential. This article introduces an analytical methodology that is designed to evaluate the maximum available power of hydro plants in critical scenarios. By applying concepts related to hydropower production calculations for the peak power demand and metrics evaluating the compliance with supply criteria, this study distinguishes itself from region-specific investigations. It conducts a generalized analysis of power availability across all regions of Brazil, with a focus on identifying the reasons for the most significant power losses and their specific locations. The results of this analysis demonstrate the feasibility of enhancing the available power of reservoirs, effectively addressing demand fluctuations, and sustainably improving energy security. This is particularly crucial in countries that are heavily reliant on renewables, including hydropower, for a huge portion of their electricity. The findings underscore the feasibility of increasing the penetration of variable renewable generation by optimizing the operation of existing hydropower plants. This optimization not only enhances energy security but also contributes to a more resilient and sustainable future, benefiting policy makers, energy planners, and stakeholders in the field of hydropower with reservoirs.

Keywords: variable renewable energy; sustainable development; energy storage systems; electricity supply; hydroelectric power plant; energy transition (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: 2024
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