Analysis of wind energy production offshore in a scenario of extreme drought

Portugal and Spain share the same electricity market (MIBEL One of the main objectives of this association is to be able to negotiate energy on the international market with advantages for both countries. At the beginning of 2021, with the adoption of decarbonization targets, Portugal decommissioned all coal-fired thermal units. These deactivations pose some challenges to the transmission system dispatch operator. Portugal has a production based on a strong hydro component and the year 2022 was one of extreme drought. Adding to the drought scenario a simultaneous low production of onshore wind occurred. Recourse to thermal production based on natural gas and import were the only resources currently available. In view of the worldwide supply crisis with high natural gas prices, the price of energy has risen sharply and energy import has power limits that cannot be exceeded. This paper aims to create a scenario of future generation needs based on offshore wind generation to respond to years of low and very low hydropower production.