Reliability of Electricity Supply Regarding the Integration of Intermittent Sources in Brazil's Power Mix

Integration of renewable sources into Brazil's power mix is desirable and necessary. The main benefit from these energy sources is maintaining greenhouse gas emissions at low levels. Nevertheless, high penetration of these energy sources into the power mix can lead to many problems, for instance, intermittency in power generation. There are some mechanisms which can be implemented to mitigate intermittency and allow a higher level of participation of these energy sources in the generation mix. One such mechanism is utilizing Energy Storage Systems (ESS). The goal of this paper is to perform a study to find the best ESS options using Multi-criteria Decision Analysis. Moreover, an examination regarding Hydro Power Plants' reservoirs as an ESS is accomplished through a case study using three of Brazil's significant Hydro Power Plants.