Brazil presents plan for hybrid power plants

Brazilian power clearing house CCEE has presented regulator Aneel with a document to be used in a report analyzing how to encourage greater use of hybrid power plants.

The document should inform Aneel's pending report on hybrid power plants that will be the subject of public consultations later this year as the regulator develops rules for the emerging sector.

Combining a diversity of power sources that can complement each at one plant is already a reality in Brazil, but on a small scale. Hybrid plants that produce power from a combination of sources, such as hydro and solar or thermal and wind, allow for more stable production, reduce exposure to fluctuations in spot power prices and optimize use of the electric grid. The public consultation will be a step toward regulating this new segment.

Some arrangements can already be implemented immediately by CCEE without the need to change rules or procedures. The clearing house expects that new regulations will make all modes of hybrid power available by early next year.

By Rebecca Gompertz