Spatio‐temporal availability of renewable energy sources for Western Paraná

The hydroelectric crisis is fomenting studies that seek the decentralization of electric energy generation in Brazil. Due to the climatic dependence on alternative sources, knowing their intermittent behavior is the best way to ensure supply. This article presents an analysis of energy complementarity based on the occurrences of climate variables with precipitation for hydroelectric power, irradiation for photovoltaic, and wind speed for wind power. We aimed to analyze and spatialize the availability of renewable energy sources in western Paraná through historical series (2011 to 2020), statistical analysis (monthly and seasonal), and the use of Geographic Information System (GIS). Daily data records were made available by the Paraná Meteorological Institute (SIMEPAR), referring to eight weather stations throughout the mesoregion. The results identified spatial complementarity for the mesoregion West Paraná. Cascavel city stood out for temporal complementarity, recording the highest values for precipitation in spring and wind speed in winter. In addition, irradiation data excelled in summer for the city of Santa Helena when compared to the other municipalities considered.