Case study
Impact of Thermal Flexibility on the Operational Performance of Chile’s Power System
This case study explores how lowering the minimum load of coal- and gas-fired power plants could improve Chile’s electricity system by 2027.
Using PLEXOS modeling, three scenarios were tested: current operation (BAU), moderate reductions (Intermediate), and stronger reductions (Aggressive).
The results show that greater flexibility in thermal plants makes it easier to integrate renewable energy, reduces curtailment, and cuts overall system costs. It also lowers the need for costly side payments, stabilizes electricity prices, and decreases both CO₂ and local air pollutant emissions. In the Aggressive scenario, system savings reach up to 169 million USD between 2025 and 2027, while emissions drop significantly.
These findings suggest that reducing minimum load values not only benefits Chile but could deliver even greater advantages in countries with higher shares of coal and gas generation.
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Case Studies
- Chile
- Colombia
- Indonesia
- Mongolia
- Thailand
August 16, 2024
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