A report on the gas supply study and the preliminary environmental assessment report.
Report extract
This 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 detailed refurbishment program, including the power-block, existing equipment, supporting infrastructure and services and dual fuelled fossil fired boiler, represents a significant investment.
However, no fatal flaws with the refurbishment option were identified. CPS’s specific historic installation, maintenance and operating regime results in a substantial portion of the power-block requiring replacement and refurbishment. This results in only a moderate capital cost saving when compared to the installation of a new power-block.
A new power-block provides a technically superior, more reliable and lower risk option, along with the added benefits of increased solar generation yields and reduced fossil fuel cost due the higher efficiency of the new plant. Another major benefit of the installation of a new power-block is the ability to use traditional lower risk Project delivery mechanisms supported by warranties, such as a traditional engineer procure and construct (EPC) wrap contract, and the expected associated improved funding conditions.