Search

This article estimates the potential of using depleted offshore gas fields in Brazil for hydrogen storage and the effects this may have in terms of energy security. Brazil is starting to invest in producing green hydrogen associated with offshore wind energy generation. This initiative has stimulated the search for suitable locations to store hydrogen, including in depleted offshore gas reservoirs. The methodology used in this paper allows for identifying which of the 85 assessed depleted offshore gas fields are the most suitable for hydrogen storage and evaluating the storage capacity of the selected fields. In addition, a wind speed analysis is made to investigate possible locations for prospective wind energy generation projects that can accommodate green hydrogen production. As our main result, we find that the selected depleted offshore gas fields have the potential to store around 5483 TWh worth of hydrogen. This amount is equivalent to about 10 times the total annual electricity consumption in Brazil. Hence, Brazil can comfortably leverage its offshore wind potential in connection with hydrogen production to enhance the energy security of its electricity supply. Considering that to date primarily natural gas has been used as the main source of energy security in Brazil and that its share in the electricity sector has significantly increased over the last decade, the combination of hydrogen storage and renewable energy such as offshore wind power has the potential to provide a resilient and decarbonised electricity system in the country. Furthermore, hydrogen stored in offshore reservoirs in Brazil can become an important resource in the international energy market and constitute a possible key to energy security for countries to which Brazil may export hydrogen. We end our paper by providing comments on the challenges, opportunities, and prospects of offshore hydrogen storage in Brazil. • Offshore natural gas fields in Brazil are suitable for hydrogen storage. • Depleted offshore gas fields can store around 5483 TWh worth of hydrogen. • Two main offshore storage clusters exist in the Southeast and Northeast of Brazil. • Fossil fuel dependence in Brazil can be reduced through hydrogen use and storage. • Large-scale hydrogen storage can contribute to Brazil's energy security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that poor performance of energy supply chains arises from incorrectly interpret feedback information and time delays between decisions and actions in energy policy. This paper assesses alternatives to improve performance of wind-power supply chain with transmission constraints that contribute to enhance response capacity of the wind industry to changes of energy policy. In order to test these alternatives, this paper used a simulation model with system dynamics (SD), taking as case study Brazil. The simulation model represents the main time lags and fluctuations that exist in the wind-power supply chain. Four simulation scenarios were proposed to evaluate changes in auction-based policy in wind industry of Brazil. The results are related to operational capacity, inventory levels and response capacity. This paper provides an analysis of different scenarios that contribute with synchronization of auctions policy, including transmission capacity constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy storage systems—in particular, Pumped Hydropower Storage (PHS)—will be increasingly important to support the transition of power systems toward zero emissions. The reason is that PHS can mitigate the variability and uncertainty of renewable energy production from solar and wind power to balance electricity demand with supply. In this paper, we propose an integer programming problem for PHS siting that uses a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to meet an energy storage requirement. It assumes the existence of a reservoir, lake, or river, and decides where to build a reservoir that will constitute the PHS with the existing body of water. This model finds minimum‐cost project candidates given parameters such as desired head, power, and operation time. The paper discusses different solution methods to assure reservoir closure and avoid its fragmentation. A heuristic explores the representations of the DEM, from more aggregate to more precise, to sequentially refine the solution based on the last selected site, which reduces computational effort. The formulation is general and the objective function includes both construction and equipment costs. Constraints are related to the energy storage target and reservoir closure based on the DEM. We illustrate the methodology by selecting multiple PHS projects next to the reservoir of the Sobradinho hydropower plant in Brazil. The result of this model can be seen as a bottom‐up step that prepares PHS candidate projects to be considered by an integrated resource planning model in a top‐down step, that would select from these shortlisted projects. Key Points: An integer programming model with an objective function based on costs is proposed to select pumped‐hydro storage sitesTwo heuristics are used to speed up the solution processes. The case study shows the benefit of these heuristicsAn application selects PHS projects next to the reservoir of the Sobradinho hydropower plant in Brazil varying head and operation time [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of renewable energy, notably solar and wind energy, has grown exponentially in Brazil. Consumers can generate their energy using renewable sources, whether interconnected to the distribution system (on-grid) or not (off-grid). In this paper, a fuzzy method is developed for the recommendation of solar and wind sources, for any location in the Brazilian territory. In many aspects, it can be viewed as a representation of human decision-making using sets and inference rules and also can be with vagueness and uncertainty, being very useful to idealize recommendation systems. Georeferenced and historical data were obtained from 2003 to 2019 on solar irradiation and wind speed, and electricity consumption until 2021. With the energy generation data from photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, this method allows us to propose installed areas by each technology and obtain the membership of fuzzy recommendation between solar, wind, both solar and wind, unfeasible or hybrid. In addition, a long short-term memory neural network and the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model were used to predict consumption for more than 30 months ahead, allowing the recalculation of fuzzy memberships and updating the installation area by respective technologies. As a result, the recommendation is given as the installed area (m2) of each technology per km2 of consumer units, as a function of the regional consumption density (MWh/km2). It can be concluded that it is possible to plan the viability of the type of renewable energy used, according to regional characteristics for smaller consumer units (farms, cooperatives, industries, consortiums), given the diversity of these factors in the huge Brazilian territory. This methodology is in line with the Brazilian Normative Resolution that authorizes the generation of energy by landowners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EOSOLAR project was designed to investigate the structure of the atmospheric boundary layer in an equatorial coastal zone, where the discontinuity of surface conditions induces non-stationarity gradients of wind speeds and the development of internal boundary layers. The proposed methodology considers several aspects of the sea–land transition meteorology that are essential for precisely estimating wind–solar energy potential and assessment of structural loads on wind turbines. Infrared (LIDAR) and acoustic (SODAR) ground-based remote sensing instruments and micrometeorological towers were installed in a near-shore equatorial area of northeast Brazil, in order to provide a comprehensive view of meteorological processes. This paper reports a description of the project study area, methodology, and instrumentation used. Details of instruments configurations, a validation of micrometeorology towers, and a comparison between the LIDAR and SODAR are presented. Results of the first field campaign measuring the coastal flow, integrating the micrometeorological tower and LIDAR observations are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Brazil has one of the richest river basins in the world and an energy matrix based mostly on hydroelectric power. Current national policy is increasingly promoting renewable sources like wind power and solar photovoltaic power. Technologies used in generation energy via hydro, wind, and solar sources can be employed in decentralized generation. This study describes a turbine for hydro energetic use in flow sites with heads up to 2.5 (m). A hydrodynamic study was performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to evaluate the performance of this turbine. For this, a three‐dimensional model of the turbine was considered, consisting of three computational domains, using periodicity to decrease the computational cost. The variation of the angular velocity and the volumetric flow were the boundary conditions. The turbulence model used was the shear stress transport. The draft tube geometry was modified according to the results of the CFD analysis. The efficiency and performance of the turbine improved from 79% to 80% as a result of this modification. A case study was conducted for a comparative financial analysis of the turbine proposed in this paper, with wind power and solar photovoltaic decentralized generation in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last 10 years Brazil has accelerated the incorporation of new wind capacity into its power matrix. This situation has generated the need for increased transport capacity. However, there have been delays in the planning process for new transmission line construction, thus inducing trapped electricity in the system; in other words, electricity that cannot be dispatched to the interconnected system. Using system dynamics modelling, this paper assesses energy policy alternatives for improving the synchronisation between the construction of both power generation and transmission capacities. Simulation results show that policy synchronisation within the wind industry may provide important opportunities regarding security of supply. This paper concludes that in Brazil's case it is possible to attain a balance between wind power expansion and interconnection capacity through synchronised and systemic interventions. • Power systems require a sustainable balance between supply and demand. • Wind power industry could be affected by energy policy fragmentation. • This article assesses alternative policy options to contribute to the existing literature on grid congestion. • New insights on the synchronisation of energy policies for the wind industry expansion is offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the growing importance of wind farms in the electric power generation matrix in many countries, for example, in Brazil, this paper proposes voltage preventive control actions as an activity to support the programming of the operation of the electric system, based on the ranking of wind power units that most significantly impact the system's loading margin through the control of its power factor. A sensitivity index is proposed to obtain this ranking, whose mathematical formulation is based on a linear approximation of the power balance equations in the vicinity of the maximum loading point. The system used to test this proposal is a 56-bus system prepared with current real data from the Northeast subsystem of the National Interconnected System of Brazil that includes 22 wind farms with 234 wind turbines, which comprise a total of 600 MW of installed capacity. The results obtained for the 56-bus test system show the applicability of the proposed voltage preventive control actions by indicating the wind farms that can contribute most significantly to the increase in the system's loading margin from an adequate adjustment of the power factor of these units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroelectric power plants have been losing competitiveness to renewable resources in Brazil, specifically wind and solar power resources, given the current water crisis in the country, which has left main reservoirs in the Brazilian hydroelectric power system depleted. However, other renewable energy resources show disadvantages in terms of intermittence and energy storage. Pumped Hydropower Storage (PHS) can help mitigate this problem, supplying energy with fewer variations. This paper studied using PHS concepts together with solar and/or wind renewable resources to recover water levels at the Furnas reservoir in terms of energy and economic performance. The energy studies were developed by sizing the PHS and identifying solar and wind resource potential for supplying energy for pumps in the hydropower plant. The economic analyses considered three different scenarios (I; II and III), and used the NPV (Net Present Value), and LCOE (Levelized Cost of Electricity) methods for a period of 30 years. Energy calculations showed that 1692 MWh/day of energy could be generated using PHS. However, 2729 MWh/day of energy would be needed to store generated energy, and a 1037 MWh negative energy balance will be compensated for by using daily wind and/or solar photovoltaic power production. This would allow the Furnas reservoir to regain 0.45 m of its water level per year. The economic studies showed economic viability for PHS scenarios I and III, with estimated NPV at 151.5 million dollars, and 64.5 million dollars for the last year of the project, respectively. Scenario II was unviable, giving rise to several strong discussions on this application within Brazil. • Wind and solar sources were considered for the pump energy supply. • The proposed system can recover 0.45 m/year of the level in the Furnas reservoir. • The energy production of the reversible power plant was estimated as 1,692MWh/day. • Economic feasibility was evaluated in many scenarios using NPV and LCOEmethods. • Market regulation is required for the diffusion of this technology in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the estimation of biogas energy use from the anaerobic treatment system of cattle, swine, and poultry slaughter units in Brazil. The simulation includes spatial distribution of the results and geographical comparison with other energy matrices and clean sources of electricity generation. The paper is divided into four sections: 1) the database formation, which included a survey and geocoding of cattle, swine and poultry slaughter units across the country; 2) a literature review covering the period from 2000 to 2020 to obtain the average Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) for each of the effluents; 3) a simulation of electricity generation in the slaughter units, according to their classes and origins; and, 4) the preparation of national distribution maps of slaughter units, national bioenergy potential, by state and by animal origin, comparison maps of Electric Slaughter Units (ESU) using hydroelectric, photovoltaic and wind power plants, as well as the comparison map between the biomass energy use (biogas, sugarcane bagasse and black liquor). The slaughter units bioenergetic potential presented on the maps that the density in the distribution of these units adopts the effluent treatment proposal. Moreover, biogas is considered a decentralized energy matrix, but the density of slaughter units within the work proposal opposes this concept. The results indicated the formation of a corridor with a high potential for electricity generation, coinciding with regions that experience electrical stress in Brazil. In numbers, the potential would be enough to supply a population of up to 900,000 inhabitants, emphasizing ESU as a potential alternative for electricity using biogas. This is because the Brazilian meat market is somewhat consolidated, important worldwide and continuously generates effluents, which can add up to 28% to electricity from biomass. The greatest bioenergy potential was obtained in the Midwest region (1792 MW), followed by the South (1486 MW), Southeast (1278 MW), North (923 MW) and Northeast (236 MW) regions of the country. In terms of clean energy, when comparing the distribution of slaughter units with photovoltaic, wind and hydroelectric plants, a large territorial gain is observed (more uniform distribution in the country) and in relation to the electrical use of biomass, biogas use from ESU would promote it as the second largest matrix representing about 31% of national energy. • Bioenergy potential from slaughterhouses in Brazil was modeled. • Midwest Brazil has the highest bioenergetic potential from slaughterhouses. • Slaughter units' biogas can potentially be part of Brazilian energy matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investments in renewable energy sources are increasing in several countries, especially in wind energy, as a response to global climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation. Thus, it is important to evaluate the Regional Climate Models that simulate wind speed and wind power density in promising areas for this type of energy generation with the least uncertainty in recent past, which is essential for the implementation of wind farms. Therefore, this research aims to calculate the wind power density from Regional Climate Models in areas at Northeast of Brazil from 1986 to 2005. Initially, the ECMWF-ERA5 reanalysis data was validated against observed data obtained from Xavier. The results were satisfactory, showing a strong correlation in areas of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte (except during the SON season), and some differences in relation to the wind intensity registered by observed data, particularly during the JJA season. Then, the Regional Climate Models RegCM4.7, RCA4 and Remo2009 were validated against the ECMWF-ERA5 reanalysis data, with all models successfully representing the wind speed pattern, especially from December to May. Four specific areas in Northeast of Brazil were selected for further study. In these areas, the RCMs simulations were evaluated to identify the RCM with the best statistical indices and consequently the lowest associated uncertainty for each area. The selected RCMs were: RegCM4.7_HadGEM2 (northern coastal of Ceará and northern coastal of Rio Grande do Norte) and RCA4_Miroc (Borborema and Central Bahia). Finally, the wind power density was calculated from the selected RCM for each area. The northern regions of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará exhibited the highest wind power density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the "Belt and Road" and "Going Global" policies, a growing number of Chinese power companies are expanding overseas, implementing global development strategies, and making investments in the overseas power industry. Several countries are undergoing an energy transition because of the rapid development of the world economy. This is being done to address the climate change issues that are a result of the overuse of fossil fuels. Brazil is also accelerating its pace of power transformation in its position as a major power generating country in Latin America. In addition to being the largest economy in South America, Brazil is also the country in which China has made the most investments. Additionally, Brazil is increasing its development efforts in wind power, photovoltaics, and other renewable energy sources in response to a large demand for renewable energy sources. Brazil's renewable energy sector offers a great deal of potential for investment based on solid foundations for cooperation between China and Brazil. The Grey Prediction Model was used for this research to forecast Brazil's renewable energy generation installed capacity, and the results show a positive trend in Brazil's renewable energy generation. There is a rapid growth in wind and photovoltaic power generation over the next 5 years, with growth rates reaching 50.39% and 182.99%, respectively, suggesting that there is potential for a broad range of development. Following this, the research applies factor analysis to assess investment risks associated with Brazil's renewable energy sector from 2000 to 2020. Based on the results of the study, Chinese power companies investing in Brazil's renewable energy sector face the greatest political risk, while other risks gradually decrease. To avoid political risks when investing, companies should place a high priority on preventing them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyze the information about protection of technologies related to distributed generation (DG) of electric energy, available in the Brazilian patent bank, in the period between 2011 and 2020. Considering that the energy sector has strategic role for companies and countries, analyzing technological trends in the area can help management and decision making. As a methodological procedure, (1) data were collected from the national database of the Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial - INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property) -- in July 2020, (2) associated with keywords and the Classificação Internacional de Patentes - IPC (International Patent Classification) for research and (3) treated with the aid of Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 software. The variables found and analyzed were: nature of the patent; order status; international classification; year of filing; publication of request; countries of origin of depositors; main depositors; state of origin of depositors; electrical system structure; and types of energy sources. The results demonstrated that the number of patent filings fluctuated over the years; that there was a significant growth in the number of deposits in the years that normative resolution n° 482/2012, responsible for regularizing DG in Brazil, was published or revised and that most of the technologies deposited are intended for power generation, with emphasis on that use wind energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anuario do Instituto de Geociencias is the property of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Geociencias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: Alternative sources of electricity have been growing recently despite their intermittence, which makes it impossible for these sources to guarantee constant and uninterrupted supply of electricity. Energy storage systems, such as pumped‐storage (PS) power plants, can help to mitigate the intermittence of these sources. In Brazil, intense growth of intermittent sources has led the generation sector to high exposure to the spot market. Thus, Brazilian electricity sector has recently turned its attention to energy storage methods as a way of diminishing such exposure. However, Brazilian electricity‐sector regulatory framework is not prepared for energy storage systems remuneration. This paper proposes a regulatory framework to insert hybrid electric generation units composed of PS and intermittent sources in Brazilian energy market. A linear optimization model exemplifies the operation of such system by minimizing costs for 1 day. The model was tested in three different scenarios, allowing comparison of operational costs and other aspects of the operation. The results demonstrate how a PS can help covering peak demand by storing energy to be used at moments when generation from intermittent sources is not sufficient. In the proposed regulatory framework for hybrid plants, expenses with spot market purchases can be diminished either by completely avoiding it or by purchasing only during lower demand level periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is a case of the achievement of a high share of wind energy integration to an interconnected power system in an emerging market. A series of successful energy supply programmes and a strong renewable-oriented finance framework implemented since 2002, have promoted alternative renewables – wind installed capacity increased over 22-fold from 927 MW in 2011 to 21 GW in 2022, reaching 11.77% of total procured power. From this, about 90% are concentrated in Brazil's least developed region, the Northeast, where wind investment should create jobs and propel socioeconomic development. Despite that, there is no studies specific assessing the regional and economy-wide effects of those programmes, gap that this paper aims to fill by applying the regional Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model TERM-BR10. We assess that by modelling an alternative scenario for the period 2010-19 based on an official electricity matrix built in 2010, that projected 3.4 additional GW of wind power while not considering all the success of renewable policies, against the observed installed capacity expansion, where wind power was 3.7 times higher than what had been planned. Our results show that in the absence of renewable policies, Brazil would have faced economic losses such as GDP (−0.27%) and investment (−4.76%). The Northeast region would have been the most impacted in terms of GDP (−1.3%), real wage (−2.99%) and employment creation (−0.1%). We propose that such socioeconomic co-benefits are incorporated in energy planning, which could promote regional equality through renewable energy expansion. • Wind power capacity increased over 20-fold from 2011 to 2022. • 90% are in the poorest region where policies propel development and job creation. • Policy absence would entail a GDP loss of 0.27% nationally and of 1.3% in the region. • Negative impacts to labour market are mostly over skilled jobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of wind power has gained prominence on the world stage, especially in Brazil. In addition to generating energy free of emissions, wind technology is the second cheapest generation option in Brazil. At the same time, it has contributed to reducing hydrological vulnerability caused by climate variation. Although wind power has experienced a steady expansion in the last decade, recent poor outcomes of wind auctions produced uncertainty about the future of this technology in the country. This paper analyses the influence of contract mechanisms used in Brazilian energy auctions for the growth of wind generation. To do this, a scenario analysis based on a hybrid simulation model is used, combining agent-based modelling (ABM) and system dynamics (SD). From the hybrid simulation, the effect of the wind project cancellation policy is analysed, on the one hand, and different ceiling prices for competing sources in the auctions are assessed, on the other. Moreover, the simulation model shows how hydro conditions affect reserve energy auctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new Angle Difference Controller to adapt the power order of embedded HVDC links. • Simulations with the proposed ADC in the official Brazilian Power System model. • Performance comparison of the ADC implemented in LCC HVDC link and VSC HVDC link. • A tutorial example to make it clear the appearance of loop flows in AC-DC systems. This paper discusses the power flow control of embedded HVDC links in the Brazilian grid, with special attention to the requirements of intermittent energy sources where frequent load changes are needed, including power reversal, and automated action is called for. Recently two North-South bipoles, 4000 MW each, ±800 kV, have entered into service, these being embedded in the grid and with separate receiving end converter stations. In this case "reverse" power flow is foreseen, but only on a seasonal basis when water flow is low at the North region. The increasing capacity in wind and solar energy, especially in the Northeast region and the possibility of a new embedded HVDC link to carry the surplus power from this region, call for an adaptable power setpoint in the DC links in order to avoid adverse effects as loop flows and increased losses. The paper investigates the use of angle difference control and proposes a new controller to mitigate those adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gorayeb, A.; Mendes, J.S.; Meireles, A.J.A.; Silva, E.V.; Brannstrom, C., and Freitas, A.L.R. 2016. Wind-energy development causes social impacts in coastal Ceará state, Brazil: The case of the Xavier community. In: Vila-Concejo, A.; Bruce, E.; Kennedy, D.M., and McCarroll, R.J. (eds.), Proceedings of the 14th International Coastal Symposium (Sydney, Australia). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 75, pp. 383-387. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. A significant increase in wind-power generation has occurred since 2008 in coastal regions of northeastern Brazil. Many wind farms have been erected on territories claimed by traditional communities, which have suffered changes in how they obtain resources as a consequence. Here we study the Xavier community, a settlement of 20 families and 66 people, located in the Camocim municipality of Ceará state. Xavier residents subsist on extractive activities such artisanal (non-mechanized) fishing, shellfish collection, and crop cultivation. But in 2009 one of Ceará's largest wind farms was established approximately 200 meters from the settlement. Although some may see these projects as low impact, wind farms in Ceará are being implemented in areas that are environmentally unstable, located within territories claimed by traditional communities, negatively affecting their livelihoods. This paper analyzes the social impacts caused by the establishment of the wind farm through participant observation, group workshops, and analysis of textual materials. Several problems are described, including the absence of basic infrastructure and employment; road blockages; privatization of common resources; noise from turbines; constant fear of accidents involving turbines; internal conflicts among Xavier residents caused after the implementation of the wind farm; and burial of lakes. Wind-farm construction negatively influenced this traditional community by threatening territory, cultural traditions, and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to present a review of the increasing contribution of wind power to the Brazilian electric matrix and an analysis of the main impact on technical, political and social aspects. This work takes into account the state-of-art of the wind power technology, the wind resource potential and the evolution of installed capacity in the country. The institutional programs and the fiscal incentives provided by the Brazilian government are also discussed in this paper, including its impacts on the society. We have reviewed national and international reports and relevant scientific papers to realize this work. The analysis shows that electric crisis in 2001 led the Brazilian government to develop new energy policies that supported the rapid growth of the wind industry from imported technology. Later on in the year 2004, the government mandated that the technology be developed within the country. It is expected that from 2011 (of approximately 1500 MW) until 2021 the installed wind capacity would increase by a factor of 600%. However, the national technology acquisition and development is still incipient. It is important to produce locally wind turbine components and is highly desirable to increase collaboration between industries and universities in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the local complementarity of three types of renewable sources (solar, wind and tidal). One of the main drawbacks of non-conventional renewable energy sources is their intermittent nature. Wind energy depends on the wind speed, which varies throughout the day. The generation of photovoltaic solar energy is strongly affected by clouds, that cause an abrupt drop of power to less than 50% of its rated capacity. In contrast, tidal energy is characterized by a high degree of predictability. This article raises important features of local complementarity of these renewable sources. These properties can be exploited to improve the firm power of isolated microgrids, leading to a variety of beneficial operational consequences. The contributions and conclusions presented here are supported by case studies and real data measured in the coastal region of northern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electric energy matrix in Brazil mostly comprises energy from hydroelectric power plants, approximately 60.8%. This large participation presents some vulnerability in periods of drought and often the country's electric energy matrix is complemented by the use of other energy sources, such as thermoelectric. Even though it is currently among the largest onshore wind power producers in the world, Brazil has not yet started developing this energy source in the offshore segment. However, this study shows that offshore wind energy can be a complementary energy source for the country's electric energy matrix, and thus replace other energy sources which have more impact on the environment. Therefore, this study sought to develop a methodology that can be easily replicated using free access tools, aiming to contribute to the development of offshore wind technology and future research in the country. The results show a large production of offshore wind energy in the southeastern region of Brazil. The "Cabo Frio 2″ data collection point presented the highest annual production of offshore wind energy. However the study opted for the "Arraial do Cabo-A606″ collection point located in the state of Rio de Janeiro and at ocean depths that can be reached by fixed foundations. • A simplified methodology is presented to estimate offshore wind energy potential. • The energy potential is calculated in different sites in the southeast of Brazil. • The developed methodology is user-friendly and has free access tools. • The offshore wind energy can contribute to complement the energy matrix of Brazil. • This paper expands the scarce literature about offshore wind energy in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A pure wind system is the economically ideal configuration. • The likelihood of positive NPV decreases as more PV power is inserted. • The more PV arrays are installed, the less feasible becomes the business. • PV systems still require high investment costs compared to wind complexes. • PV systems have a low cf in comparison with wind systems. In order to mitigate the lack of energy production, several types of energy sources have been combined in a so-called hybrid energy system; however, some economic analysis must be performed to evaluate whether the hybrid business is financially feasible. This work aims to evaluate wind-PV hybrid systems technical and economically through the simulation of a hypothetical hybrid power plant in which a case study is presented. The economic viability of PV power into wind systems is assessed by the comparison of distinct scenarios, which consider different rated power for each type of source. The paper regards the context of the Brazilian energy market and is geared toward the rules, the current tariff prices, and the mean investment applied for the construction of wind and PV systems in Brazil nowadays. The results show that a pure wind energy system is economically ideal and the continuous insertion of PV power into the wind system decreases the chances of profitability. However, for certain amount of PV rated power installed in the complex, the project maintains a high probability of being successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the potential for wind and solar energy generation in the state of Amapá, Brazil, using ERA5 data from between 1991 and 2020. Key metrics considered include wind power density, capacity factor, photovoltaic potential, and concentrated solar power output. Analyses revealed pronounced wind speeds offshore during summer and in continental regions during spring. Solar irradiance was notably higher in the spring. Differences in wind potential were observed between northern and southern offshore areas. Concentrated solar power efficiency and photovoltaic potential were influenced by location and cloud cover, respectively. Overall, summer presents the best offshore wind energy potential, while spring is optimal for onshore solar energy in Amapá. This study underscores the importance of understanding local climatic patterns when planning energy installations in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cadernos EBAPE.BR is the property of Fundacao Getulio Vargas, Escola Brasileira de Administracao Publica e de Empresas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Anuario do Instituto de Geociencias is the property of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Geociencias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Renewable sources stand out in energy planning due to their contribution to greenhouse gas emission reduction when displacing fossil fuels and the enhancement of energy security through the diversification of the energy matrix. Understanding and optimizing the complementary operative synergy between different energy sources over time and space leads to efficient policies. This article uses an hourly Pearson's correlation coefficient to explore the complementarity between offshore wind and other power generation sources in the Brazilian matrix. An analysis of offshore wind power feasibility in the Brazilian power system will be conducted, considering environmental implications, synergies with the oil industry, costs, and complementarities with other energy sources. The methodology uses an optimization model to minimize costs and optimize the production mix while considering the time series of renewable energy, subject to demand constraints, renewable resource availability, reservoir storage, capacity limitations, and thermal generation. The study concludes that the northeast and southeast electrical subsystems must start offshore wind installation in Brazil due to their complementarity with hydropower production, synergy with the oil and gas industry, and proximity to the largest consumption spots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is an emerging market for offshore wind energy, with its first projects having already applied for environmental permits. However, few studies have actually evaluated Brazil's offshore potential, and those analyses have focused on its gross resource potential. This paper thus aims to assess Brazil's offshore wind potential through a novel approach that allows for the evaluation and mapping of the potential in different levels (Gross, Technical and Environmental and Social) and highlights the most economically attractive areas for offshore wind deployment, following a Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. Results for Brazil show 1688 GW of Gross Potential, 1064 GW of Technical Potential and 330 GW of Environmental and Social Potential. The least economically attractive areas are mainly in the Southeast region, while the most attractive ones are concentrated in the Northeast region. The top ten areas for offshore development are also highlighted, totaling 126 GW of capacity. In short, this paper addresses the knowledge gap towards a comprehensive potential assessment for Brazil and concludes that the country has a significant offshore wind potential that can be sustainably deployed if proper siting criteria are applied. The approach proposed here is replicable and capable of informing the planning of sustainable offshore wind development in other regions or countries. • Brazil's Gross, Technical, and Environmental-Social Offshore Wind Potentials. • GIS approach considers offshore wind farms siting constraints to map suitable areas. • GIS-MCDA to rank suitable areas according to their economic attractiveness. • Environmentally and socially suitable areas sum 330 GW of potential capacity. • The top 10 most attractive areas in Brazil sum 126 GW of potential capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Daily Operation Scheduling (DOS) gets new challenges while a large-scale of renewable energy is inserted into the power system. In addition to the operation, the power variability of these sources also causes a problem in the hourly pricing, represented here by Locational Marginal Pricing (LMP). Therefore, new applications, such as energy shifting, offer greater efficiency to the system, minimizing the negative effects caused by wind power curtailment (WPC). This paper shows the LMP formation in the DOS of the hydro-thermal-wind-photovoltaic power system with a battery energy storage system and the reduction of WPC. Here, the wind and photovoltaic power plants are designed to be dispatched, not mandatory, to be able to cut the generation, and the insertion of Distributed Generation is considered. Moreover, to solve the DOS problem, the interior-point method is used. Additionally, the DC optimal power flow, used to represent the DOS in addition to the representation of the electric grid, is modeled with an iterative approach. The analysis is made in an IEEE 24-bus system with data from Brazil. Lastly, the results of simulations are presented and discussed, demonstrating the effectiveness of the optimization to reduce the WPC, the total operation cost, and to provide the LMP curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transitioning towards renewable energy sources is crucial in mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Global energy consumption is expected to increase 50 % by 2050, meaning one of today's main challenges is complying with those demands without tampering with the uncertainties of global climate change. To address climate change renewable energy sources are essential and wind power plays a great role in the energy matrix. Brazil is one of the front runners in the energy transition, where wind power has expanded since the early 2000's. The state of Bahia, in North-eastern Brazil, is currently the region where wind energy is expanding the most. However, conflicts related to territoriality and justice aspects are increasing in the state due to the fast-expanding wind energy sector. This study applies document and content analysis to explore the multiple narratives regarding the wind energy expansion in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Framing theory and theories addressing power struggles and conflicts in relation to the energy transition will guide the analysis of the documents included in the material. Based on the analysis of the Bahian case, this study shows that different actors frame the matter of wind energy expansion differently depending on their positionings. Civil society and local perspectives are not present in policies and decision-making processes, including the planning and installation of wind energy parks in the studied case. The results suggest that inclusion and participation of local actors, stakeholders and the civil society is essential to ensure a just and sustainable transition to clean energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Desarrollo y Sociedad is the property of Universidad de los Andes and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wind energy is a powerful resource contributing to the decarbonization of the electric grid. However, wind power penetration introduces uncertainty about the availability of wind energy. This article addresses the complementarity of remote offshore wind sites in Brazil, demonstrating that strategic distribution of wind farms can significantly reduce the seasonality and the risk of periods without generation and reduce dependence on fossil sources. Field observations, atmospheric reanalysis, and simplified optimization methods are combined to demonstrate generation improvement considering regions under environmental licensing and areas not yet considered for offshore development. Aggregated power results demonstrate that with the relocation of wind turbines, a 68% reduction of the grid seasonal variability is possible, with a penalty of only 9% of the generated energy. This is accomplished through optimization and the inclusion of the northern region, which presents negative correlations with all other stations. More specifically, the north and northeast of Brazil have large seasonal amplitudes. However, out-of-phase wind regimes with a strong negative correlation (R < −0.6) and high-capacity factors ( C F ) during the peak seasons occur in Jan-Feb-Mar in the north ( C F > 0.5) and in Aug-Sep-Oct in the northeast ( C F > 0.7). These complementary regimes allow for the introduction of the concept of Reserve Wind Power (RWP) plants, wind farms that can be viewed as "reserve sources" for energy security. These can replace the contracts of thermal reserve plants, with resulting economic and environmental advantages. Our analysis suggests that RWP plants can be 20 to 32% cheaper than thermal reserves in the current market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper forecasts the supply curve of non-conventional renewable technologies such as wind and solar generating stations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico using technological and economic parameters. It also estimates the additional investment costs in solar and wind generation for reaching the renewable energy target in each of these countries. To assess the power supply profile from 1 axis tracking PV and horizontal axis wind turbine (three blade) stations, two different scenarios are developed for 2014 and 2025. Scenario 1 estimates the PV and wind annual electricity yield by using polycrystalline silicon (cSi poly) as semiconductor material for PV cells and a Vestas 90–3.0 MW turbine for the wind for 2014. Scenario 2 assumes a more efficient technology, such as CPV. In fact, the model employs 45% efficiency triple junction cells using ∼3500 m2 for each 1 MW installed capacity in 2025. Moreover, this scenario also assumes a more powerful type of turbine, i.e. Vestas 112–3.075 MW. The biggest potential for wind power is found to be in Argentina, followed by Brazil, Mexico and Chile. In addition, a 550 MW installed capacity CPV power station, using triple junction cells could generate up to 4 TWh in Chile in 2025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onshore wind power is consolidated; the challenge is to reach the same level of maturity for offshore exploitation. Brazil has no offshore wind power plants and there are few studies in this direction. This paper aims to estimate the offshore wind resources in the State of Ceará, in Brazil. The investigation uses a mesoscale atmospheric computer model, the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS), with horizontal resolution of 2 km, which estimates the offshore average wind speed, average wind direction, power density and turbulence taking into account the bathymetry data and navigation routes along the coast of Ceará. The wind potential was evaluated in three representative periods, La Niña, El Niño and Neutral year, analyzing the dry and rainy season for each period. The results indicate an average wind speed above 8 m/s and power density above 720 W/m 2 no matter the period evaluated, in the dry season. The predominant wind direction in the observed dry periods was from East to West and the turbulence intensity is smaller during dry season of El Niño. Besides, the bathymetry of the State of Ceará is shallow and the large ships route is far beyond the coast, offering no danger to future endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of the wind industry in Brazil presents new opportunities and challenges for its electricity industry. As new capacity becomes available, more transmission infrastructure is required for security of supply. The Brazilian electricity system has experienced congestion in the northeast region, affecting the coordinated expansion of transmission and new wind power capacity. This paper uses a simulation model for better assessing long-term policy synchrony of the wind industry. The simulation shows that the resulting prices are competitive in the middle to long terms. • Wind power farms have been affected by insufficient grid availability. • This paper proposes a model to assess the expansion of transmission in Brazil. • The paper undertakes the supply chain view. • Lack of coordination along the supply chain is problematic. • A synchronised policy has a positive effect on expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The positive impact of the complementarity between renewable generation sources has been presented in several studies, but this concept has been neglected in many studies of expansion planning. This paper presents a new approach to introduce the complementarity between renewable energy resources and regions into the expansion planning for 100% renewable energy systems. A novel objective function is proposed to optimize the electricity mix and the water flow of hydropower reservoirs, considering the daily and yearly variations. A case study is presented with the objective of assessing the optimum mix (for the complementarity perspective) between solar, wind, hydro, and biomass power to ensure the expected monthly and hourly energy demand for Brazil in 2050. In the Brazilian case, when the complementarity between regions was considered, it was possible to ensure the electricity demand increase without new large reservoirs and with a high contribution from all renewable generation sources. A mix to ensure the daily and annual demand in 2050, which promotes the best complementarity, is presented, resulting in a share of 27%, 16%, 34%, and 23% for photovoltaic, wind, hydro, and biomass power, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sustainability in Debate / Sustentabilidade em Debate is the property of University of Brasilia, Center for Sustainable Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This work introduces a new approach for the evaluation of numerical methods used in calculating the Weibull parameters for the prediction of wind resource. In this evaluation, power is a key issue since it proves to be quite relevant in predicting the feasibility of a given site for efficient use of wind energy. Previous knowledge of such information is important for the decision process on the technical feasibility of installing industrial wind farms. The paper performed a statistical analysis of seven mathematical methods to estimate the shape parameter k and the scaling parameter c of the Weibull distribution. Wind speed and wind power data collected in two coastal cities (Icapuí and Camocim), State of Ceará, in the northeast region of Brazil were used. The methods used in the development of this research are the graphical method, maximum likelihood method, modified maximum likelihood method, empirical method, moment method, energy pattern factor method and the equivalent energy method. Comparative analysis of efficiency and accuracy involves the application of the following statistical tests: analysis of variance (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and chi-square (X 2). The use of power as a parameter to be evaluated in this study by analyzing the Weibull distribution, is something different from what has been discussed in the literature, and indicates that methods which are well evaluated when the wind speed is used as a comparison factor can change position when ranked by power. It is important to emphasize that the values of k and c were calculated directly from the values of wind power (not the wind speed, as usual), and subsequently it was statistically tested the adequacy of the values in the prediction of wind speed and wind power. The presented results indicate that the values generated for the shape and scale parameters provided differences considering the databases formed by wind speed and wind power, namely the graphical method. The wind power data produced accurate results when submitted to statistical tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China began to accelerate the energy transition in the last decade as a strategy for rebalancing its economy and becoming a more influential actor in the global renewable energy market. This article explores to what extent Chinese investment and financing in renewable energy projects in Argentina and Brazil promote these countries' energy transition strategies and sustainable development more broadly. To approach this question, the article provides a reading of Ostrom's postulates of the energy transition as an increasingly relevant driver of certain states' relationships with other countries. General trajectories of Chinese investment and lending in Latin America provide a background to Chinese investment in solar and wind power projects in Argentina and Brazil. The article concludes that China's overseas finance merges with Argentina and Brazil's own goals regarding renewable energy deployment and discusses future challenges in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a methodology for sizing and simulating an autonomous photovoltaic-wind hybrid energy system with battery storage, using simulation tools and linear programming. The developed model is useful for energizing remote rural areas and produces a system with minimum cost and high reliability, based on the concept of loss of power supply probability (LPSP), applied for consecutive hours. To calculate the solar power and the wind power, a statistical model based on Beta and Weibull probability density functions, respectively, is used. Some scenarios are calculated and compared, using different numbers of consecutive hours and different LPSP values. As a result, a complete sizing of the system and a long-term cost evaluation are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Protected areas and renewable energy generation are critical tools to combat biodiversity loss and climate change, respectively. Over the coming decades, expansion of the protected area network to meet conservation objectives will be occurring alongside rapid deployment of renewable energy infrastructure to meet climate targets, driving potential conflict for a finite land resource. Renewable energy infrastructure can have negative effects on wildlife, and co-occurrence may mean emissions targets are met at the expense of conservation objectives. Here, we assess current and projected overlaps of wind and solar photovoltaic installations and important conservation areas across nine global regions using spatially explicit wind and solar data and methods for predicting future renewable expansion. We show similar levels of co-occurrence as previous studies but demonstrate that once area is accounted for, previous concerns about overlaps in the Northern Hemisphere may be largely unfounded, although they are high in some biodiverse countries (e.g., Brazil). Future projections of overlap between the two land uses presented here are generally dependent on priority threshold and region and suggest the risk of future conflict can be low. We use the best available data on protected area degradation to corroborate this level of risk. Together, our findings indicate that while conflicts between renewables and protected areas inevitably do occur, renewables represent an important option for decarbonization of the energy sector that would not significantly affect area-based conservation targets if deployed with appropriate policy and regulatory controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land‐use change (LUC)‐related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions determine largely whether bioenergy is a suitable option for climate change mitigation. This study assesses how LUC emissions influence demand for bioenergy to mitigate GHG emissions, and how this affects the energy mix, using Brazil as a case study. A methodological framework is applied linking bioenergy supply curves, with associated costs and spatially explicit LUC emissions, to a bottom‐up energy system model. Furthermore, the influence of four key determining parameters is assessed: agricultural productivity, time horizon, natural succession (NS), and the use of dynamic emission factors (EFs). Demand for new bioenergy plantations range from 0.5 to 6.7 EJ in 2050, and is avoided when its EF reaches above 15 kg CO2/GJbiomass. Dynamic EFs result in earlier and larger use of bioenergy. Static EFs attenuate all emissions evenly over time, resulting in relative high emissions around 2050 when the carbon budget is most stringent. This in contrast to dynamic EFs, having early high peaks because of clearance of natural vegetation, but relatively small long‐term emissions when the carbon budget is most stringent. Exclusion of NS, in combination with spared agricultural land, results in a demand of 6.7 EJ, because of its low carbon penalty. Assuming that land is spared due to continuous yield increase (which is the reason to include NS as and EF component), bypasses the fact that yield improvements (that make those lands available) take place because of demand for bioenergy. When low‐carbon biomass is in limited availability, increasing electrification is observed, leading to electric capacity increase of 62% (mainly wind and solar energy), and a 12% energy system costs increase. Inclusion of spatiotemporal explicit supply potential and LUC emissions leads to improved bioenergy deployment pathways that come closer to the real situation as the dynamic nature of LUC emissions is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind energy is an important electricity source. Even though it is cleaner than other energy sources in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, gathering energy from the wind has impact on organisms that fly, including bats. Understanding whether and how bat activity patterns are affected by environmental variables may be useful when trying to mitigate these impacts, for example bat mortality from collisions with wind turbines. Northeastern Brazil concentrates one of the world's largest wind potentials and has thousands of wind turbines in operation. In spite of this scenario, there is a lack of basic information, such as the presence of bat species and their activity patterns in those wind farms. We used passive acoustic monitoring to assess species richness and species composition and obtain data on activity patterns of insectivorous bats in four wind farm complexes in northeastern Brazil. We also investigated the possible correlation between environmental variables (wind speed and direction, air temperature and humidity, and percentage of moon illumination) and bat activity. The acoustic monitoring carried out for 30 nights produced approximately 120,000 bat passes of 29 sonotypes and four families. Environmental variables may influence bat activity, but in a site-specific way, i.e., although the environmental conditions of wind-energy complexes were similar, there was not an activity pattern common to all. Considering such specificities, we strongly recommend long-term specific on-site monitoring in each wind complex, avoiding generalizations for the environmental licensing of wind energy in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Redes (1414-7106) is the property of Associacao Pro-Ensino em Santa Cruz do Sul - APESC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Sustainability in Debate / Sustentabilidade em Debate is the property of University of Brasilia, Center for Sustainable Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Since the 1970s, demands arising from the impacts of the power sector on the natural environment were added to studies regarding the strategic power sector and its impact on the economic and financial crises. Thus, the development of alternative technologies reflected the new institutional guidelines and overcame the technological paradigms that were based on increasing installed capacities. Consequently, multiple debates that consider the energy use potential of each region and its contributions to sustainable development occurred. This paper presents the information that is necessary for understanding the relationships of the development model that was founded based on waste and the expanding technologies that exploit natural resources. Actions that are aimed at developing renewable energy resources are structured based on the instability of the technological maintenance paradigm and are guaranteed by expanding technologies that were used prior to 1970. In addition, we evaluated the current institutional arrangements that are used to promote wind energy. In this case, greater attention was given to the European experience because Europe provides multiple examples of successful legal frameworks that promote wind energy. In addition, Europe is a benchmark for emerging market countries, such as Brazil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper deals with the analysis and comparison of 7 (seven) numerical methods for the assessment of effectiveness in determining the parameters for the Weibull distribution, using wind speed data collected in Camocim and Paracuru cities, State of Ceará, in the northeast region of Brazil, in the period from August 2004 to April 2006, obtained by the Department of Infrastructure of the State of Ceará. One method is not well known, namely the equivalent energy method, and its performance is compared to the others. By using the methods of analysis of variance, RMSE (root mean square error), and chi-square tests to compare the proposed methods, this study aims to determine which ones are effective in determining the parameters of the Weibull distribution for the available data, in an attempt to establish acceptable criteria to a better utilization of wind power in the State of Ceará, which is a national prominence in the use of renewable sources for electricity generation in Brazil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a wind energy assessment and a wind farm simulation in the city of Triunfo in the state of Pernambuco in the northeast region of Brazil. The wind data were obtained from the SONDA (Sistema de Organização Nacional de Dados Ambientais) project’s meteor station (wind speed, wind direction and temperature) at both heights of 50 m during a period of time of 30 months. The Triunfo wind characterization and wind power potential assessment study shows an average wind speed (V) of 11.27 m/s (predominant Southeast wind direction), an average wind power density (P/AT ) of 1.672 W/m2 and Weibull parameters shape (K) and scale (A) respectively equal to 2.0 and 12.7 m/s. Those values demonstrate an important wind potential in this region for future wind farm prospection. The wind farm (TRI) was simulated by using 850 kW wind turbines given a total of 20 MW installed. The simulated results show(s) an AEP (annual energy produced) of 111.4 GWh, a capacity factor (Cf ) of 62% and a total of 5.462 h of operation by year (full load hours). The economical simulated results show(s) a Pay-back of 3 years Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 47% and Net Present Value (NPV) of 85.506 k€ (both in a period of time of 20 years). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]