In the Andean region, energy innovation is booming. New hybrid solar-hydro projects are coming online to address this intermittency in hydropower generation. This new initiative is particularly important in Argentina and Ecuador. Their significant dependence on hydroelectricity creates grid disruptions in years of low precipitation and during dry seasons. By integrating floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems with existing hydroelectric power plants, energy producers seek to optimize electricity generation and enhance energy security.
The Alicurá hydroelectric power plant, now one of most important energy sources. Its capacity is huge—1,000 megawatts (MW) and its capacity factor is 25%. Alicurá is only one piece of a formidable team. Along with Piedra del Águila, Pichi Picún Leufú, El Chocón and Arroyito, they produce a huge 12,830 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually. These five plants have a considerable installed capacity, with a combined total of 3,970 MW. Their average capacity factor of 37% underscores their crucial role in providing constant energy to the region’s fuel mix.
Capacity and Performance of Hydroelectric Plants
The performance of individual hydroelectric plants can be all over the board, leading to wide swings in total energy production. Among these, Piedra del Águila 1 with a capacity of 1,400 MW and a capacity factor of 45%. Pichi Picún Leufú in Argentina comes next with a capacity of 250 MW and an impressive capacity factor of 48%. At the same time, El Chocón is run at a much higher maximum capacity (1,200 MW) but much lower capacity factor (29%). Arroyito, the smallest of the group, has a capacity of 120 MW but boasts the highest capacity factor at 68%.
This variability in performance is testament to how much further these programs can improve through hybridization. Experts note that “their effective generation capacity is significantly constrained by the availability of water resources, which are highly variable and generally scarce—a characteristic of all mountain rivers,” according to Dr. Luis Juanico and Martin Ducos.
Implementing floating photovoltaic systems (FPVs) at these plants would go a long way to alleviating many of these limitations. By capturing solar energy when water levels are low, we can maximize energy production. Through our analysis, we’ve found Marcel Laniado de Wind HPP and Mazar HPP to be excellent candidates for floating photovoltaic (FPV) deployment. Under optimal conditions, each of these facilities could realize FPV capacities that equal their installed hydropower capacities.
Addressing Intermittency and Energy Security
Peru’s Andean region is expanding access in the west to meet growing demand for more stable energy sources. It’s begun developing Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) systems to use in tandem with hydroelectric power. The Limay River, home to five hydroelectric plants, is the perfect laboratory for this novel tactic. The abundant solar resources available during summer months coincide with reduced water availability for hydro generation, making FPVs an attractive option.
Because of its distant desert location, land next to these reservoirs in this quickly growing region is generally available for relatively low cost. This affordability opens the door for FPV systems to be thoughtfully sited given the lack of major financial ramifications.
Few places know these challenges as intimately as Ecuador. Given that over 80% of its electricity comes from hydroelectric generation, the country becomes particularly susceptible during prolonged dry spells. The country just suffered some of its worst blackouts to date, leading to increased demands for diversification in energy resources. “Ecuador’s heavy reliance on hydropower for electricity generation, combined with recent blackouts caused by prolonged dry seasons, underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources,” state Rodriguez-Gallegos et al. They further point out that using FPVs along with HPPs will increase energy security, too. This integration cuts our dependence on one energy source, creating a more resilient energy supply.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
On June 19, 2024, Argentina suffered a nationwide blackout, reported on only three hours in duration. This incident, along with several other similar events, underscored the need for a more resilient energy infrastructure. These outages point the way toward the unrealized opportunities that exist even within today’s climate funding. According to experts Juanico and Ducos, “This reflects a significant idle capacity—ranging from 50% to 75%, or 12 to 18 hours daily—in both the power transformation system and the National Interconnected System transmission line.”
The Cumbayá project in Ecuador Beautiful conditions to deploy FPV. It was only ever intended to support a maximum capacity of 17 MWp. This implementation represents a wonderful example of how hybrid systems can be creatively customized to address regional needs, while still helping the federal government tackle larger energy issues.
National governments across Latin America are aggressively working toward cleaner energy transitions. Bringing floating solar technologies together with current hydroelectric infrastructure is an exciting way forward. With the potential to power entire nations, the solar and hydro relationship breeds a new kind of energy independence. This strategy increases their climate resilience as well.