From Wind to Hybrid: A Contribution to the Optimal Design of Utility-Scale Hybrid Power Plants

When a substantial number of wind parks are approaching the end of their lifespan, and developers of renewables are facing decisions about what to do with their assets, concepts such as hybrid power plants are emerging as a promising solution to enable renewable integration in a cost-effective and robust manner. This work proposes a decision-aid algorithm to perform a comprehensive analysis of hybrid power plants, focusing on the energetic contribution and economic feasibility of converting existing wind power plants into hybrid power plants (i.e., installing photovoltaic panels and a storage system). The analysis was performed by comparing the option of converting existing wind plants into hybrid plants with a pure repowering exercise or overplanting using wind technology only. The obtained results unequivocally demonstrate the added value of hybrid power plants as they promote: (i) a higher installed capacity and yearly capacity factor (up to 50%); (ii) an increased efficiency of existing electric infrastructures; and (iii) a positive contribution to a sustainable energy system with the ability to generate economic value.

Automated summary

This study proposes a decision-aid algorithm to analyze the energetic contribution and economic feasibility of converting existing wind power plants into hybrid power plants. The results demonstrate that hybrid power plants can increase installed capacity and efficiency, and positively contribute to a sustainable energy system.