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Hydro-floating photovoltaic systems as virtual batteries: A case study of Brazil's Furnas hydropower plant

Author

Listed:
  • Lima, Antonio G.G.
  • de Mello Junior, Harold D.
  • Quirino, Tiago M.
  • Mendoza, Leonardo A.F.
  • Nunes, Gustavo M.S.
  • Muller, Glaysson M.

Abstract

This paper explores the integration of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems with hydropower plants (HPPs) to improve sustainable energy storage and generation. The research evaluates the performance and scalability of a hybrid hydro-FPV system at the Furnas HPP in Brazil, addressing the challenges of deploying FPV systems in HPP reservoirs. A methodology was developed to maximize the combined operation, preserving the historical generation of the HPP while maximizing the FPV system's output. The results indicate that the hybrid system doubled the capacity factor of the transmission infrastructure and increased total energy production by 50 % compared to HPP operation alone. In particular, FPV systems occupied only 1.4–3.8 % of the reservoir area while utilizing the existing transmission capacity. Moreover, statistical analysis revealed a negative correlation between HPP reservoir levels and solar irradiance, which helped reduce variability in combined energy output. This study demonstrates that hybrid hydroFPV systems can enhance the storage and generation capacity of renewable energy while minimizing the need for additional infrastructure and reducing environmental impacts. This approach holds promise for expanding clean electricity production by leveraging existing hydropower assets.

Suggested Citation

  • Lima, Antonio G.G. & de Mello Junior, Harold D. & Quirino, Tiago M. & Mendoza, Leonardo A.F. & Nunes, Gustavo M.S. & Muller, Glaysson M., 2026. "Hydro-floating photovoltaic systems as virtual batteries: A case study of Brazil's Furnas hydropower plant," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pb:s0960148125017008
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124036
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Piancó, Felipe & Moraes, Leo & Prazeres, Igor dos & Lima, Antônio Guilherme Garcia & Bessa, João Gabriel & Micheli, Leonardo & Fernández, Eduardo & Almonacid, Florencia, 2022. "Hydroelectric operation for hybridization with a floating photovoltaic plant: A case of study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 201(P1), pages 85-95.
    2. Larissa de Andrade Goncalves & Larissa Faria & Michael Mannich & Marcelo Coelho & Jucimara Andreza Rigotti & Tobias Bleninger & Jean Ricardo Simoes Vitule, 2025. "A Systematic Review of Floating Photovoltaic Plant Environmental Impacts," Journal of Sustainable Development, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 18(1), pages 1-94, January.
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