Hybrid Power Plants: Viability for Cities in Minas Gerais

Abstract

The search for sustainability permeates present-day society, seeking new ways of development that combine the economic, social, and environmental sectors. The energy segment has an important role with regard to the change of developmental models. Hybrid models have been an effective way of electricity production around the world. Brazil has availability of both sources of energy (solar and wind power). Thus, the present work aims at investigating the potential of hybrid solar-wind energy farm in the state of Minas Gerais, especially in the Jequitinhonha Valley, the state’s most needed region. The analysis conducted in the project showed that the cities studied present feasibility of deployment of renewable energy generation systems, whether hybrid or by a single source. In addition, the study shows that this would be a viable alternative and those investments, currently intended for the development of nuclear power plants could be destined for this type of generation since nuclear power plant put public health at risk.