Unit energy costs

Since the unit energy costs are correspondingly different, the economics of the several drive modes often are more nearly comparable. 

In order to reduce the unit energy cost, it is essential to adopt a superheated steam cycle. Operating experience of elevated temperature components in FBR indicates that creep-fatigue damage can be well taken care of in the design. Thermo-hydraulic analysis needs to be detailed to have complete knowledge of thermal loading. 

The 500 MWe PHWR project is a part of the continuing efforts to meet the ever increasing demand for energy in a developing country like India. The unit energy cost for nuclear power compares very favourably to that for a coal fired power plant if the former is located about 1000 km from the location of coal reserves. 

The capital cost of an NHP is 60 millions. This cost includes installation and commissioning. Underground siting takes about 30% of the total capital costs. The total unit energy cost is 2.334 cent per kWh. 

For the first AHWR preliminary estimates indicate that its overnight capital cost (base year 2001) will be Indian Rupees 53 000 (US 1170 at current rates) per kWe. The estimated construction period from first pour of concrete to criticality is six years. The unit energy cost for the electricity generated with this reactor is expected to be competitive with that for alternative energy options available in the time frames and at the geographical regions of deployment of this reactor. 

The results obtained for the sixteen combinations are summarized in Table 2.10. The unit energy cost was used to assess economic performance. A mass intensity index (Mil), defined as [(mass of feedstock-mass of bioethanol produced)/mass of bioethanol produced], and a water intensity index (WII), defined as (mass of fresh water/mass of ethanol produced) (El-Halwagi, 2012), were calculated. These two indices show the efficient use of basic resources, feedstocks and water. The ethanol composition after conversion is also reported. It can be observed that the best values for the WII are associated to... 

Combination Based on one ton of dry biomass Unit energy cost Based on total mass of bioethanol produced Bioethanol composition before separation... 

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