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Energy & Grid Management
Rafael Herzberg
Rafael Herzberg
Expert Member
Top Contributor
 · Posted in Energy & Grid Management

Flexible energy: the new "animal"

Flexible energy: the new "animal"

The flourishing of renewable energy has brought a new challenge: how to deal with intermittence?

The sun and wind have grown exponentially as sources in Brazil but bring with them the need of backup power.

How much would flexible energy cost?

  • 1 MW of local generation based on gas or biodiesel requires USD 0,25 MM
  • The amortization of this investment would be around USD 4 000/month. 
  • A 1 MW solar plant produces around 120 MWh/month 
  • The amortization of the flexible generation investment corresponds to USD 30/MWh 

Moral of the story: The backup power cost is relevant. There is no free lunch!

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