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Nuclear Power Plants as Equivalents of Hydroelectric Reservoirs and Providers of Grid Stability: The Case of the Brazilian Electrical System

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  • Ivo Leandro Dorileo

    (Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Energy Planning (NIEPE), Campus Cuiabá, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá 78060-900, Brazil)

  • Welson Bassi

    (Institute of Energy and Environment (IEE), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
    Center for Analysis, Planning and Energy Resources Development (CPLEN), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil)

  • Danilo Ferreira de Souza

    (Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Energy Planning (NIEPE), Campus Cuiabá, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá 78060-900, Brazil
    Center for Analysis, Planning and Energy Resources Development (CPLEN), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil)

Abstract

In the current configuration of Brazil’s hydro-thermal-wind power system, hydroelectric reservoirs have progressively lost their long-term regulatory role due to inadequate planning, inefficient energy use, and reduced inflows. In the context of the energy transition and the incorporation of low-emission technologies into the generation mix, this study proposes expanding nuclear baseload capacity as a “regulatory thermal buffer” to mitigate hydrological uncertainty and strengthen grid stability. Using the São Francisco River basin as a case study, an equivalence factor is developed to relate nuclear energy output to stored hydropower reservoir volume. Results show that nuclear generation can help restore the multi-annual regulatory capacity of Brazil’s hydropower system and enhance the resilience of the National Interconnected System by contributing substantial inertia to an increasingly variable, renewable-based grid.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivo Leandro Dorileo & Welson Bassi & Danilo Ferreira de Souza, 2025. "Nuclear Power Plants as Equivalents of Hydroelectric Reservoirs and Providers of Grid Stability: The Case of the Brazilian Electrical System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:14:p:3642-:d:1698279
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    References listed on IDEAS

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