The initial plant assessment, modelling and optimisation for converting a coal fired power station to a hybrid solar thermal/gas station.
Report extract
The initial technical assessment indicates there is the potential for repowering and life extension of a selected unit at CPS for operation as a solar thermal power plant for the next 25 years. In addition, there is the potential to use some of the existing equipment, supporting infrastructure and services at the CPS for the proposed Project to reduce the overall Project costs.
The technical, cost and risk comparison of the installation of a new steam turbine, compared to the reuse of the existing steam turbine, indicates that the use of a new power‐block provides a technically superior, more reliable and lower risk option. In addition, the use of a new a new power‐block provides various other benefits, including:
- increased solar generation yields
- reduced fossil fuel cost due the higher efficiency of the new plant; and
- the ability to use traditional lower risk project delivery mechanisms supported by warrantees, such as a traditional engineer procure and construct (EPC) wrap contract, and the expected associated improved funding conditions.
