Natural Gas Power Plants in the System Security Role—The Situation and Solutions in Brazil

This study aims to apply a methodology to analyze the regulatory obstacles for the development of thermal power plants in a country. The study uses Brazil as an application case, although mostly of the findings can be useful to other countries. It also discusses other policies and actions by the government that may contribute to the growth of natural gas-fired power plants. Using deductive and comparative research methods, the first part of this method focuses on the stage of thermoelectric power generation in Brazil. The subsequent sections present the role of the integration of gas and electricity sectors, the main obstacles to the expansion of natural-gas power generation, how the country has deal with the expansion of natural-gas power generation, as well as how other obstacles has been faced. In raising the research question, when comparing the research results of selected countries, it should be noticed the impact that the experience and lessons elsewhere have had on policies formulation on Brazil. Our conclusions pointed out that adequate policies for the natural gas-electricity Brazilian market integration make advisable the unification of electricity and natural gas agencies. We recommended developing a mathematical model to support decision-making on natural gas and electricity integration.

Assessment of CO_(2)storage prospect based on physical properties of Rio Bonito Formation rock units

The physical properties of the rock units associated with the Rio Bonito Formation are presented in this study with the focus on modelling reservoir quality based on petrophysics-derived parameters to evaluate CO_(2)storage potentials.It involves the modelling of the reservoir depths,thicknesses,flow zone indicators(FZI),and effective permeability(Keff)and presenting the CO_(2)storage efficiency factors peculiar to the rock units of the study location.Research results presented by this study for the stated objectives are not quite common in the region.Keff values range from 200 mD to higher than 2000 mD,and FZI values are generally above 1.0 mm and up to 13.0 mm within the portions covered by the drilled wells.The sandstone units recorded are up to 20 m thick in some cases.The Keff and FZI models indicate the sandstone reservoirs as permeable units to support the injection and circulation of CO_(2)within the potential reservoir units of the Rio Bonio Formation across São Paulo State.Apart from some points in the southeastern part of the study location,where the Rio Bonito are delineated at depths less than 800 m(minimum CO_(2)storage depth based on best practices),other portions are deeper,ranging from 950 m to 3500 m.Thin-bedded layers will affect the integrity of the rocks as CO_(2)storage tanks or reservoir seals/traps/overburden within the region.Sandstone bed thicknesses are up to 20 m in some cases.However,hybrid CO_(2)reservoir units are feasible,especially in portions where thin siltstone layers are sandwiched between sandstone units to provide considerable thicknesses based on CO_(2)storage standards.The current study shows that useable areas considering reservoir thickness,depth,and other physical qualities will significantly control the CO_(2)storage efficiency of the study location.Further studies featuring a detailed geophysical exploration of the site to confirm the availability and saturations of preexisting fluid(hydrocarbon and water)are encouraged to boost CO_(2)storage in the region.The related research-based results,as mentioned above,may be combined with the results of this research to determine the area's potentials for CO_(2)storage or hydrocarbon production with CO_(2)storage options.