Coal-fired power plants electricity generation costs

Figure 2, Fuel and electricity costs for wood-fired power plant at Natchitoches, LA, and average electricity costs for coal-fired power plants vs. generator capacity...

A lower cost system is achieved if electricity and steam is generated from a coal-fired power plant and then routed to a high-temperature electrolysis plant for steam decomposition with an overall thermal efficiency of 35 - 38 % (based on 35 % efficiency of electricity production from coal) [55]. 

The costs of electricity generated from new coal-fired power plants at Natchitoches. Louisiana, were estimated with the power plant model — with appropriate changes to represent coal — for comparison with the costs of PEF-generated electricity. The results showed that these costs are comparable, particularly in the case of a PEF owned and operated by a municipality or some other governmental entity. This comparison, being done with the same model, eliminates any bias which may affect a comparison of cost estimates from different sources. 

Prabir, B., Butler, J., and Leon, M. 2011. Biomass co-firing options on the emission rednction and electricity generation costs in coal-fired power plants. Renewable Energy. 36 282-288. 

Launch a major national effort to use electricity and natural gas more efficiently. We need to slow the growth of co2 emissions, sharply reduce the need for new coal-fired power, and free up inefficiently used natural gas for high-efficiency power generation (either combined cycle plants or chp). Energy ejficiency remains the single most cost-effective strategy for minimizing co2 emissions.8... 

The capital cost of FGD in new coal fired nlant is about S130-150/kW. This renresents 15-20% of total capital cost of the plant Additional operating costs are of the order of 3-5/tonne Retro-fitting onto existing plant, which may not always be possible in certain industrial locations, can increase the cost by a further 30-50% Overall the installation of FGD can increase the cost of electricity generated f1] by coal fired power stations by 10-20% ... 

Until 20 years ago coal-fired utility plants were considered a triumph of modern technology for generating heat and electricity at reasonable costs. As of 1989, 2,777 billion kilowatt-hours of electrical power were generated in the United States, of which 56% was produced by burning coal, 19% from nuclear plants, 9.5% from hydroelectric sources, 9.5% from burning natural gas and the remaining 6% from petroleum, geothermal and other sources. 

About 25% of the USA has enough wind power to generate electricity at the cost of natural gas or coal-fired plants. Wind power accounts for less than 1% of the nation s energy supply, while coal and natural gas generate about two-thirds of the electricity. A study by Stanford University, California, USA, researchers measured wind speeds that hit turbines perched at the equivalent of a 20-storey building. Because wind is, intermittent wind power farms in locations with high wind speeds could be linked into energy networks that may provide a reliable and abundant source of electric power. 

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