From Megawatts to Kilowatts: A Review of Small Wind Turbine Applications, Lessons From The US to Brazil

Caio Cesar Moreira Chagas, Marcio Pereira, Luiz Pinguelli Rosa, Neilton Fidelis da Silva, Marcos Aurélio Vasconcelos Freitas and Julian David Hunt
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Caio Cesar Moreira Chagas: Energy Planning Program (PPE), Coordination of Post-Graduation Programs in Engineering of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ), 21.941-914 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Luiz Pinguelli Rosa: Energy Planning Program (PPE), Coordination of Post-Graduation Programs in Engineering of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ), 21.941-914 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Neilton Fidelis da Silva: Energy Planning Program (PPE), Coordination of Post-Graduation Programs in Engineering of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ), 21.941-914 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Marcos Aurélio Vasconcelos Freitas: Energy Planning Program (PPE), Coordination of Post-Graduation Programs in Engineering of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ), 21.941-914 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Julian David Hunt: International Virtual Institute of Global Change (IVIG), 21.941-909 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 7, 1-25

Abstract: Increased use of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions, which has led countries to implement policies that favor the gradual replacement of their use with renewable energy sources. Wind expansion in Brazil is a success story, but its adherence to distributed generation is still a big challenge. In this context, the authors of this paper argue that the development of robust and viable distributed power grids will also depend in the future on improving small wind generation as an important alternative to the diversity of decentralized power grids. In this study, the authors present an overview of the small-sized Aeolic (or wind) energy market in Brazil, with the objective to support the debate regarding its expansion. Promoting the small wind market in Brazil is still a big challenge, but lessons can be learned from the United States. In this context, the article uses the United States learning curve, analyzing barriers that were found, as well as public policies implemented to overcome them. The lessons learned in the American market may guide public policies aimed at fostering this technology in Brazil. If technological improvements, certification and introduction of financial incentives were implemented in Brazil, the small wind industry chain could grow substantially, building a trajectory to promote the low carbon economy.

Keywords: small wind review; United States; small wind market; renewable energy; Brazil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:7:p:2760-:d:339720

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