PROVIDING RELIABLE POWER IN THE MIDDLE EAST UTILIZING COMBINED CYCLE CONVERSIONS

摘要

The goal of most power plants is the cost effective conversion of fuel to electricity. Many power generators are recognizing the effectiveness of gas turbines in producing clean, reliable power. In regions where natural gas prices are under $4 per million BTU (MMBTU), power generators have traditionally used simple cycle gas turbines. The economics of combined cycle power plants have evolved over the last 10 years, such that advanced combined cycle plants now offer reliable and cost effective power even in areas with low fuel costs. A 2x1 advanced combined cycle power plant has an attractive payback period of years compared to a simple cycle option. Also for regions where natural gas is scarce it is useful to look at opportunity costs of fuel in lieu of direct costs. With the appropriate cost of fuel selected, a proper evaluation methodology in evaluating all costs in order to properly optimize power generation becomes critical.