The prospects for the implementation of UHRs (reversible hydroelectric plants) in Brazil were the focus of a panel at the 8th National Conference of ABRAPCH (Brazilian Association of PCHs and CGHs), in Brasília, this Tuesday (18). From an abandoned project, the projects once again have a viable economic perspective, assessed the experts.
A study with projections up to 2034, presented by EPE (Electrical Research Company), linked to MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy), indicated that UHRs are in the process of expansion, while traditional hydroelectric plants tend to reduce their participation.
“For the first time, storage technology is competitive, at a time when the Brazilian electricity sector realizes the need to diversify sources,” highlighted Rafaela Pillar, research analyst at EPE.
The sample indicated an estimate of 800 MW of storage by UHRs in Brazil for the next 10 years. “Even though Brazil is a reference in hydroelectric generation, it does not currently have pumped storage plants. We had four in the 1940s, but one was deactivated and the others no longer operate in this model,” listed Pillar.
for the CEO of Voith Hydro Latin America, Hans Günther Poll, the country has an opportunity to restart the segment, for reasons of stability of the SIN (National Interconnected System), and to optimize water management.
“Brazil’s hydroelectric potential and water management must go hand in hand. Hybrid projects that combine wind generation, solar plants and reversible plants such as water batteries are innovative options and should be promoted, including the use of seawater,” Poll highlighted.
He stressed that by 2028, the share of installed hydroelectric generation capacity will decrease from the current 48% to 43%, approaching the share of non-dispatchable renewable sources, such as wind and solar, which are increasingly expanding in Brazil. “If we do not have dispatchable renewable sources, the operation of the SIN will become impractical,” he said.
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