A new dash for gas? Really? | 24 comments (24 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: the first "dash for gas" (none / 0)

I wasn't very clear. If natgas proponents want to replace nukes, they can't do it by rolling out just peaker plants. They need plant that can do baseload.

Is there a significant difference in capital costs between gasfired baseload and gasfired peaker? How much of the increase in gasfired that we see above is peaker?

In other words, how capable is natgas of replacing nuclear, and at what capital cost? And what are (more detailed) current trends in gasfired construction?

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Sun Mar 20th, 2011 at 04:34:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]

ok (none / 0)

the capital costs are not that different, and the costs quoted in studies like the ExxonMobil one are costs for baseload plants - ie the lowest possible for a gas-fored plant. Even if capital costs are low, it's still cheaper to allocate them on more kWh...

Gas is capable of providing full baseload, and even these plants have quite a bit of flexibility. In Europe, quite a few baseload plants have been built.

Wind power

by Jerome a Paris (etg@eurotrib.com) on Sun Mar 20th, 2011 at 05:55:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ok (none / 0)

OK, so there's not much anti-gas argument to be got from that.

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Sun Mar 20th, 2011 at 06:31:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

well (none / 0)

baseload plants need a reliable supply of gas - long term, permanent
peaker plants produce more expensive electricity

Wind power

by Jerome a Paris (etg@eurotrib.com) on Sun Mar 20th, 2011 at 07:08:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: well (none / 0)

Yes. But I was wondering if capital costs for baseload gas might be significantly higher, thus making it a less attractive proposition for quick-buck investors.

That not being the case, there are the other arguments you cite, concerning fuel supply. Baseload needs reliable, stable, long-term supply, which may not be easy to get in the volumes needed. Peaker picks up the going market price (unless too high for a profit margin to be made), which makes it expensive.

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Sun Mar 20th, 2011 at 07:19:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

A new dash for gas? Really? | 24 comments (24 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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