Specialists say that the electrical systems of the future will be led by solar and wind energy, with support of technologies already available such as batteries, efficient transmission, and smart networks
Author: Inter Press Service
A new report of the Energy Transition Commission (Etc in English) reveals that Latin America and the Caribbean could lead the global energy transition, from here to 2050, with 100% clean, reliable and cheaper electrical systems than the current ones.
Sandra Acevedo, coordinator of the LATAM Energy Power Alliancenoted that “the ETC report adds to the technical analysis that highlights the strategic advantage that Latin America has in the generation of solar energy.”
“Of course, the passage to action and the way to do so remain the challenge for the countries of the region. One of the messages is to advance strategic planning and appropriate public policy frames, which, for the alliance, must always be done in the center of the conversation to the communities,” added Acevedo.
According to the study of etc, systems dominated by solar and wind energy can not only supply the growing electrical demand stable and safely, but to do it at lower costs than current systems based on fossil fuels.
Etc projects that Latin America countries could reach the total decarbonization of their electrical systems with an average cost of just $ 38 per megavatio (MWH, equivalent to 1000 kilowatts), including generation, storage and transmission networks.
That is possible thanks to the exceptional solar and wind energy resources that the region possesses, which places it within countries with mixed climates (such as China), capable of covering 90% of its demand with variable renewable energy.
The remaining 10% could be covered with storage, mostly short duration, and the capacity can be further enhanced if the existing long -distance transmission infrastructure in continuous current (HVDC) is used and expands.
An outstanding example is Brazil, which already has an HVDC network that connects the northern hydroelectric regions with the southern consumption centers. This model can be climbed at the regional level to improve the electric balance and reduce costs, integrating diverse renewable sources into different geographies.
The etc is an international group of 32 experts, selected among individuals, companies and government leaders, created in 2015 and focused on economic growth and climate change mitigation.
Your most recent report is titled “Power Systems Transformion: Delivening Competitive, Resilient Electricity in High Renewable Systems (Transformation of energy systems: generation of competitive electricity and resilient into highly renewable systems) ”.
The report indicates that the total world demand for electricity could triple, reaching 90,000 theravats (TWH, equivalent to 1000 million kilovaries) in 2050, compared to the current 30,000 TWH, and satisfy with a new generation, predominantly wind and solar.
The document indicates that many countries can operate electrical systems with 70% or more electricity from wind and solar energy, using proven technologies currently available, such as batteries, other storage systems, long -distance transmission and a flexible use of energy.
The report also highlights the fundamental role of governance and long -term energy planning.
Chile is presented as an exemplary case, with an energy planning process at 30 years which articulates climatic objectives with the development of infrastructure. In addition, it has adopted ambitious emission intensity goals that offer clear signals for investment in generation and networks.
The report mentions the collaboration between the Chilean electric operator and the Google X Tapestry project, which allows to run 86% faster network simulations and evaluate up to 30 times more scenarios, significantly improving the quality and agility in decision making.
Region with exceptional resources
The panorama positions Latin America as a unique region, with exceptional natural resources, growing technological capacity and concrete examples of advanced energy planning.
The region can not only accelerate its own energy transition, but also become a global reference in construction of safe, affordable electrical systems and with zero emissions.
In addition, due to its geographical location, many countries in the region are part of the so -called “solar belt” (Sunbelt), a strip of the planet located between the tropics with high solar radiation throughout the year.
This represents a competitive advantage to build energy systems led by solar energy, with lower storage needs and lower costs.
The report mentions that the solar belt countries, such as India, Mexico and much of Africa, are better positioned to reduce the costs of the electrical system by transition to low -cost solar systems, which mainly require a balance between day and night.
On the contrary, the countries of the “wind belt”, such as the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada, which depend on a greater proportion of wind energy, face higher equilibrium costs, but they can still achieve affordable and stable systems through intelligent policies and innovation.
In summary, the report ensures that the electrical systems of the future will be led by solar and wind energy, with support of technologies already available such as batteries, efficient transmission, and intelligent networks.
The transition is technical and economically viable, and Latin America is in an unbeatable position, it is concluded in the study.
*Journalism in Venezuela is exercised in a hostile environment for the press with dozens of legal instruments arranged for the punishment of the word, especially the laws “against hatred”, “against fascism” and “against blockade.” This content was written taking into consideration the threats and limits that, consequently, have been imposed on the dissemination of information from within the country.
Post views: 172
