Perspectives on the Application of Storage Systems in the Brazilian Electricity Sector

The global energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the effects of climate change. Brazil has seen a significant increase in variable sources such as solar and wind power. The growing presence of variable sources has introduced new challenges for grid operation. Currently, systems face injection constraints, limiting new connections in several regions. There have been recurring curtailments of centralized generation to maintain the grid's secure operating point, aiming to preserve system stability. Additionally, steep ramp rates have been observed during the transition from afternoon to evening. Energy storage systems are being adopted globally as a solution to better manage power flows within the grid, minimize generation constraints, and enhance system stability, while also improving grid flexibility and resilience. Projects are being developed to hybridize photovoltaic plants through the integration of storage systems. The installation of batteries alongside intermittent generation aims to improve the capacity factor of these facilities, enable energy arbitrage, mitigate intermittency, and render renewable sources dispatchable, and able to participate in frequency regulation.