Page 33 - Energize December 2022

TECHNICAL

Figure 5: Comparing two alternative scenarios in an energy system with good wind and solar conditions for PNM New Mexico.

MW of solar modules can save 21% of Gas-to-power
the oil consumption, compared to a pure In recent years, there has been a global shift towards cleaner fuels. This has led to an
engine-based power plant. This represents increasing abundance of liquefied natural gas (LNG) available from markets and increased
a reduction of approximately 200 000 opportunity to transport LNG in smaller quantities to smaller users. Levelised costs of
barrels of oil per year. electricity in the US especially, show that gas can compete closely with coal on a cost of
generation basis and the role of gas in power generation is increasing as it is being more
A hypothetical case study widely utilised to run engine power plants that are integrated with intermittent wind and

This hypothetical case shown in Figure 6 solar systems.
presumes a utility-owned facility, located Gas power plants are advantageous as compared to other thermal dispatchable plants
in an equatorial region, operating on a as they can be constructed rapidly at a reasonable cost and produce lower emissions. As
typical hot climate residential load profile the share of wind and solar capacity increases and the net load to thermal plants decreases,
(with the demand peak at noon due to gas power plants can also provide peaking to system balancing. Liquified natural gas is a
extensive air conditioning). The operation low emission fuel that is becoming increasingly relevant for industrial facilities, shipping
and maintenance (O&M) cost per MWh industries, and energy providers. Wärtsilä is a leading provider of gas-to-power solutions
for hybrid PV power plants can be up to and a recognised leader in gas engine technology. Wärtsilä offers solutions and services
50% lower than for standalone PV. Lastly, throughout the entire LNG distribution chain with a focus on developing smaller scale
the economic logic of an engine-solar PV capabilities, including the technology for both liquefaction and re-gasification. More than
hybrid plant is to save fuel and thus pay one third of the world’s re-gasification units for floating storage have been delivered by
back the additional investment in solar PV Wärtsilä. Additionally, Wärtsilä’s Tank Control Systems are used in many of the world’s
modules. A hybrid becomes economically leading LNG facilities.
feasible when the value of the displaced
fuel exceeds the investment in the PV Contact Mirja-Maija Santala, Wärtsilä Energy, mirja-maija.santala@wartsila.com,
modules. www.wartsila.com

Figure 6:

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