HYBRID POWER PLANTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ENERGY TRANSITION

Abstract

Hybrid plants are gaining prominence in the energy transition scenario due to their ability to integrate multiple energy sources, whether renewable or not, into a single generation system. This approach, often complemented by storage systems, aims to maximize energy production and reduce variability in supply, resulting in a more reliable and economical supply.

This article explores the role and opportunities of hybrid power plants in the context of the energy transition. The text is structured in eight sections, in addition to the introduction. Firstly, the concept of hybrid power plants and their application in Brazilian regulation is presented. Next, the impacts of the diffusion of variable renewable energies, such as distributed solar energy, on the dispatchable energy demand curve are discussed. The hourly pricing of energy due to load variability is analyzed in the third section, highlighting the opportunities for hybrid plants in the current market.

The fourth section discusses the popularization of hybrid plants due to the reduction in the cost of tariffs for use of the distribution network. The fifth section discusses the contribution of hybrid power plants to the decarbonization of isolated systems. The cost competitiveness of hybrid plants is the focus of the sixth section, while the seventh section presents examples of hybrid generation projects in Brazil. Finally, the eighth section explores the research agenda related to hybrid plants, highlighting a pilot project being developed by the Energy Institute of PUC-Rio.

In summary, hybrid power plants represent a promising strategy for meeting the challenges of the energy transition, offering a flexible and economically viable solution for electricity generation.