The regulatory agents of the wind sector expect the next auctions continue in a direction to a sustainable, says Abeeólica


In a market where a new model requires an even larger optimization between investment and revenue from the plants, the regulatory agents of the wind sector expect the next auctions continue in a direction to a sustainable expansion. "We need at least an increase of 2GW per year" commented Elbia Melo , executive chief of the Association of Wind Energy (Abeeólica). She believes that this would be an adequate expansion level to keep the current manufacturers in the country and to consolidate the supply chain.

The wind sector will face a period of coast control due to the increase prices of wind turbines, as the manufacturers will have to adapt to the new rules set by the Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social (BNDES), also with the possibility that  generating companies will have to invest in transmission networks. "Although there are increases in costs, the wind source will continue competitive compared to others." Assessed Elbia.

“With regards to the plants that are ready but are not connected to the grid, Abeeolica believes that with planning this problem could be resolved if the grid can be linked to wind fiel”, said Otávio Silveira, president of administration of Abeoolica. Elbia also suggested that the agents join consortiums and condominiums to invest in transmission.

Performance

Although they face challenges, the wind sector celebrates the positive operating performance in 2012. To have an idea, the capacity factor - the ratio between the effective generation and capacity in the same period - peaked around 70% last year, and the second phase plants were at 54%. In both cases, the percentages are above - 43% and 45%, respectively - expected.

"It is important to note that the peak was exactly during  the period of low flow in the reservoirs, proving that wind energy generation  is an important complementary source," argued the president of Abeeólica. The association believes  if was not the force of the winds, the country would have spent in additional R$500 million reais with on thermal generation in December, 2012 ,and considering the whole year, avoided spending R$ 1.6 billion reais.

The association estimates that the installed capacity should jump from the current 2.5 GW to 5.9 GW this year. The current wind potential allowed the supply of 2.5 million homes last year, the equivalent of 7.5 million inhabitants.

Source: Jornal da Energia - São Paulo, May 27th, 2013.