The expansion of the Portuguese power system in the medium term: An application of the VALORAGUA model

This paper presents one of the typical applications of VALORAGUA model, that is for the detailed analysis of the operating conditions of a mixed hydro-thermal power system in the medium term, in this case the Portugues system. The first part provides an idea of the methodology developed by Electricidade de Portugal (EDP) to face the problems linked to the planning of the expansion of an electric power system with a significant share of hydroelectric generation, with reference to the special characteristics of this type of system and the problems of the WASP model to analyze such a situation, and the need of a more detailed model for the optimal operating strategy of a known configuration of a mixed hydro-thermal system. The second part of the paper treats some other usual applications of the VALORAGUA model, namely for the conduct of studies in the fields of power system expansion planning, economic evaluation of projects, generation/transmission, tariff setting, and medium term financial plans. An examples of the utilization of the model is also presented in relation to the expansion of the Portuguese power system between 1996 and 1999, in order to discuss the main problems that may arise in the next years. Finally, the paper describes the cooperative efforts in the last few years between EDP, the World Bank, IAEA and Argonne National Laboratory in providing training to national teams of different countries in the utilization of VALORAGUA model and on the development of electric sector expansion planning studies using EDP's methodology. (author). 16 figs, 6 tabs