Valorization of the filtering capacity of intermittent energies in the future decarbonized matrix.

Abstract

In view of The Paris Agreement to combat climate change, there is an increasing trend towards decarbonization worldwide, in order to accomplish the nationally determined contributions. This process is mainly based on the electrification of energy uses and on a change in the electric generation matrix, replacing conventional generation with renewable one. Its success is sometimes questioned because of the system capacity to absorb the additional intermittences associated with renewable energies. This is why, increasing system flexibility becomes crucial. Recently, Uruguay has undergone a radical change in its electric generation matrix that places it as one of the leader countries in this issue [1]. When considered together, the wind and solar installed capacity exceed the demand in nearly 90% of the time. Nowadays, the intermittences introduced by the addition of renewable energy are compensated with the hydroelectric generation subsystem. Nevertheless, the hydroelectric resource is almost fully exploited with limited possibilities of increasing its capacity. Therefore, as long as new renewable generation is incorporated to the system, there will come a time when another source of flexibility is needed. This work shows a method to calculate the value added to the system by the incorporation of agents capable of filtering the intermittences associated to renewable generation, as could be batteries, a pumped hydroelectric storage station or future responsive demands. The results presented in this work are for the particular case of batteries.