Senegal’s domestic gas reserves shall be mainly used to provide electricity. Authorities expect that home gas infrastructure projects will come on-line between 2025 and 2026, provided there is no delay. The monetization of those significant energy sources is on the foundation of the government’s new gas-to-power ambitions.
In this context, the global technology group Wärtsilä carried out in-depth studies that analyse the economic impression of the various gas-to-power methods out there to Senegal. Two very completely different applied sciences are competing to fulfill the country’s gas-to-power ambitions: Combined-cycle gasoline turbines (CCGT) and Gas engines (ICE).
These research have revealed very important system price differences between the 2 primary gas-to-power technologies the nation is presently considering. Contrary to prevailing beliefs, gas engines are actually significantly better suited than mixed cycle gasoline turbines to harness energy from Senegal’s new fuel assets cost-effectively, the study reveals. Total cost differences between the two applied sciences might attain as a lot as 480 million USD till 2035 depending on eventualities.
Two competing and really totally different technologies
The state-of-the-art energy combine models developed by Wärtsilä, which builds customised energy scenarios to establish the cost optimal approach to ship new era capability for a specific nation, exhibits that ICE and CCGT applied sciences present significant value variations for the gas-to-power newbuild program operating to 2035.
Although these two technologies are equally confirmed and dependable, they are very totally different by method of the profiles in which they can operate. CCGT is a know-how that has been developed for the interconnected European electrical energy markets, the place it may possibly function at 90% load issue at all times. On the opposite hand, flexible ICE technology can function effectively in all operating profiles, and seamlessly adapt itself to another generation technologies that will make up the country’s vitality combine.
In particular our study reveals that when working in an electricity network of limited size corresponding to Senegal’s 1GW national grid, relying on CCGTs to significantly broaden the community capability would be extremely costly in all potential eventualities.
Cost differences between the applied sciences are explained by a number of elements. First of all, sizzling climates negatively impact the output of gas generators greater than it does that of gas engines.
Secondly, thanks to Senegal’s anticipated entry to low-cost home fuel, the operating costs turn into less impactful than the investment prices. In other phrases, because low gasoline costs decrease operating prices, it is financially sound for the country to rely on ICE energy crops, which are less expensive to construct.
Technology modularity also performs a key role. Senegal is predicted to require an extra 60-80 MW of generation capability annually to have the ability to meet the rising demand. This is much decrease than the capacity of typical CCGTs plants which averages 300-400 MW that must be inbuilt one go, leading to unnecessary expenditure. Engine energy crops, on the opposite hand, are modular, which suggests they are often built exactly as and when the nation needs them, and additional prolonged when required.
The numbers at play are vital. The mannequin exhibits that If Senegal chooses to favour CCGT crops at the expense of ICE-gas, it’ll result in as a lot as 240 million dollars of extra price for the system by 2035. The cost difference between the technologies can even enhance to 350 million USD in favor of ICE know-how if Senegal additionally chooses to construct new renewable vitality capability within the next decade.
Risk-managing potential fuel infrastructure delays
The growth of gas infrastructure is a complex and prolonged endeavour. Program delays usually are not uncommon, inflicting gas supply disruptions that can have an enormous monetary impact on the operation of CCGT plants.
เพรสเชอร์เกจ is conscious of one thing about that. Only last yr, significant gasoline provide points have triggered shutdowns at a number of the country’s largest gas turbine energy crops. Because Gas turbines function on a continuous combustion course of, they require a continuing supply of fuel and a secure dispatched load to generate constant energy output. If the availability is disrupted, shutdowns happen, putting a fantastic pressure on the overall system. ICE-Gas vegetation however, are designed to adjust their operational profile over time and enhance system flexibility. Because of their versatile operating profile, they had been capable of preserve a a lot greater level of availability
The research took a deep dive to analyse the financial influence of two years delay in the fuel infrastructure program. It demonstrates that if the country decides to speculate into fuel engines, the value of fuel delay could be 550 million dollars, whereas a system dominated by CCGTs would lead to a staggering 770 million dollars in extra cost.
Whichever method you have a look at it, new ICE-Gas generation capability will minimize the whole price of electrical energy in Senegal in all possible scenarios. If Senegal is to meet electrical energy demand progress in a cost-optimal method, no less than 300 MW of latest ICE-Gas capability shall be required by 2026.
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