Aging Assets In the Grey?
Conventional thermal units have sustained low cost power generation for many years. Recently, I've encountered a number of units with >200-400,000 operating hours, slashed O&M budgets and expectations to perform for many years. However, with the onset of combined cycle gas generation and renewable energy, their operating modes have changed to meet energy market demands, forcing them to be operationally flexible. With reduced budgets, the future of these assets demand cost effective O&M strategies, technology and a systematic approach to help manage their useful end of life. One of the most economical and cost-effective solutions for managing an asset is the application of performance management programs and deploying systematic processes that don't cost a fortune. Also, enhancing an operators knowledge can help them protect assets without depleting O&M budgets by mitigating damage through assessment, deploying strategic guidelines, controls and optimization efforts that help maximize the extended useful life to get the most out of past/future investments. Change demands action and foresight helps predict the probability of future outcomes as the future of electricity continues to transform. Growing up, my Father told me countless times, “you make your own luck.” So, as you prepare for future opportunities with your dispatchable generating fleet, consider benchmarking and assessing your fleets flexibility. Evaluating your key performance indicators, ensuring your team understands the people and process aspects of flexible operations, while leveraging digital monitoring strategies to streamline the process is a good first step! #FLEXIBILITY
Managing Director at global-roam Pty Ltd
5 年Hi Stephen, here's an example from the Australian National Electricity Market that we noted: https://www.wattclarity.com.au/articles/2019/10/investments-in-increasing-the-flexibility-of-coal-fired-power/
Ex Maintenance Head at Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant (Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd)
5 年Stephen, excellent way of explaining life of Coal fired Thermal Power Plants
“Can Coal-fired Power Plants Compete with NG-fired GTCCs?”
5 年Hi Stephen: Clearly, coal-fired programs worldwide are severely challenged by “climate change myths” and funding being withheld by the IDB and World Banks. This is extremely unfortunate, as “Energy Poverty” around the world could be effectively addressed with low-cost electricity from coal. However, we recently participated with a paper for the International IEA Coal Conference in Houston, and have an article in POWER Magazine. Visit: https://www.powermag.com/power-plants-of-the-future-21st-century-coal-fired-steam-generator/ Keith Moore www.Castle-Light.com
Director: Plant Support
5 年Excellent summary and thoughts!
Well said,Stephen.The first steps for preparing for flexibility is to benchmark your units across the fleet.This is essentially required so that you can know what value of flexibility you can deliver from each unit with minimum costs and long term sustainability. We have been impressing upon the need for benchmarking with the Indian policy makers.In fact,the CEA is proceeding in this direction,with a committee constituted by engaging all the stakeholders of the Indian power sector.