Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Generation cost, US$/MWh
Minimum
Range
LOW COST RANGE
Wind
Small hydro
PV
Biomass
Geothermal
HIGH COST RANGE
Wind
Small hydro
PV
Biomass
Geothermal
0
50
100
150
200
Source: IEA
Figure 7.2
IEA estimate cost data for a range of RE technologies with high and low investment costs.
(Courtesy of David Milborrow)
Table 7.3
Operational characteristics of traditional generation
Type of plant
Physical
characteristics
Economic
characteristics
Role within system
Nuclear
Infl exible; best
operated at steady
load
Very high capital costs;
very low running
costs
Steady base load; 75%
capacity factor
Gas CCGT
Can be fl exible, but
with poor load
following response
Low capital costs, low
running costs; fuel
supply contracts
dictate running on
high load
Steady base load; 80%
capacity factor
Coal
Flexible with good
load following
response
Medium capital costs,
medium - high
running costs
Demand following, units
partly loaded to
provide reserve;
capacity factor from
20 to 70%
Pumped - storage
hydro
Extremely fl exible
High capital costs, high
marginal costs (see
Section 7.3.3 )
Rapid response used for
' peak shaving '
Hydro with reservoir
Flexible
High capital costs, low
running costs
Base load and demand
following if required
Open cycle gas
turbine
Flexible
Very low capital costs,
very high running
costs
' Peak shaving ' ; capacity
factor < < 5%
