The current Brazilian electrical matrix is still very dependent on water sources. When hydroelectric reservoirs are low, the ONS (National Electric System Operator) activates emergency fossil thermoelectric plants – more expensive, polluting and causing yellow and red tariff flags.
Given this scenario, solar energy is seen as essential to help save water in water reservoirs, relieving the operation of the national energy matrix and consumers' pockets, as well as contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable and competitive Brazil.
This is the analysis of Rodrigo Sauaia, CEO of ABSOLAR (Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association).
“Our matrix currently has more than 60% of its installed power from water sources. We know that it depends on the 'good mood' of the rain, on having it in the right place and with the right frequency so that it can be stored and used. This is a challenge for us, considering the dry times we have been through for at least five years.”
Therefore, according to the executive, diversifying the matrix in Brazil is essential. “The government started this process in the past with what we call a hydrothermal matrix, that is, placing emergency thermoelectric plants and supports for when there was a lack of water in the hydroelectric plants due to the lack of rain. What are its advantages? They are quick to build, but they are very expensive to operate and they are polluting.”
“We have yellow and red flags, 1 or 2, which can be active depending on the number of thermoelectric plants that the operator puts into operation. Therefore, the more solar energy and other renewable sources we add, the greater the diversification will be, because when there is a lack of rain, there is plenty of sun available to generate electrical energy and help reduce the need to activate such thermoelectric plants”, explained Sauaia.
In short, he highlighted that the synergy between the two technologies can contribute to a lower supply risk, that is, more energy security, in addition to being essential to help to have a matrix with cheaper, more competitive and sustainable operation - thus avoiding the emission of pollutants that harm people's health and the environment.
“This is a gain that occurs both in solar energy, used centrally, and in DG (distributed generation), with the advantage that in DG we also have a reduction in losses – given that these systems are close to consumption points – and a relief in the operation of transmission and distribution lines”, added the specialist.
Answers of 3
goodnight ; I'm studying at SENAI RJ technical course in the area of renewable energy photo voltaic
Brazil needs to make a lot of progress. Report and automate all older plants where this has not yet been done and can be done in PPP with the private sector; implement semart meters to make smart grids viable; support the implementation of reversible plants; accelerate the arrival of mega storage systems/batteries to tend to peaks, possibly cheaper than these idle thermoelectric plants; and; provide areas on the surface of hydroelectric reservoirs and irrigation channels – in addition to dams – for the implementation of floating solar plants, also accounting for the costs avoided by reducing evaporation and electricity used in pumping.
Luiz, the ideas seem good to me even though I don't have much knowledge in the area. What I think is missing is more political will to implement them.