Reseña

The interconnectivity of energy markets is a tangible reality that generates economies of scale, reduction of reserves, more efficient operation of electrical systems, optimal use of the natural resources of each country or region, as well as the strengthening of relations between countries participating in regional electricity markets.

Motivated on the previous arguments we developed doctoral research that allowed us to demonstrate the technical and financial feasibility of the interconnectivity of those markets. In order to do it we researched about the following aspects:

The research project dealt with the opportunities and comparative advantages offered by the electricity market interconnection scheme. It was focused on the Caribbean region, due firstly to the great potential for renewable energy generation in the region and, secondly, the high dependence of the countries in the region on imported fossil fuels.

Studied the projection of power demand and expansion plans from the Caribbean, part of South America (Venezuela or Colombia), and South Florida. We also evaluated the potential of renewable energy sources in the Caribbean region.

Besides, we researched, evaluated, and recommended the type of power to be transmitted, between direct current and alternating current, according to the considered power flow and transmission distances, as well as the requirement for electrical equipment for each technology.

The study bathymetric levels in the Caribbean Sea were a very important part of the research to determine the best route for each interconnection. Linked with the bathymetric studies we researched about different technologies available for submarine cables for power and data transmission and its application in the region under study.

In the telecommunication field we researched about requirement related to transmission of voice and data among the different countries of the region, to analyze the possibility to introduce an optic fiber cable, together with the power cable, to make the project more feasible.

Studied and analyzed the electrical legislation for each country of the region to adequate them to a regional scheme, such as a Regional Electrical Market (REM), as regulator, and Regional Power Control Center (RPCC), to operate the interconnection in a real time fashion.

Finally, the research concluded demonstrating the hypothesis about the technical and economic feasibility of the interconnection of the electrical markets of the region.