Fuel Choices That Improve Unit Profitability

摘要

The competitive power market, along with the extensive development of new combined cycle generation, has made the dispatch of some older or intermediate-load coal units less certain. At the same time, lower capacity margins nationwide require these same units to be capable of maximum generation and high availability during periods of peak demand. Reducing generation costs for these coal units will be imperative to maintaining dispatch order over the majority of the year, yet reducing generating capacity limits the potential for profit during peak demand, when energy prices soar. Managing these opposing opportunities is necessary to maximizing revenue and profit.