Hagay Shemer, Process Engineer, Thermal Process Dept.
In general, clean and cost-effective power generation is of paramount importance to cope with the the increasing energy demand throughout the world. Investment and fuel costs are the main contributors to the cost of electricity Due to environmental awareness in recent years, the amount associated with CO2 emissions have attracted more and more attention. The efficiency of the power plant, as one key value, affects both the fuel costs and the amount of CO2 emitted to the environment. As coal is more abundant in many parts of the world, coal prices are less volatile and more stable than those of natural gas. However, larger CO2 emissions increase the need for more efficient coal-based power generation. Ultrasupercritical (USC) steam power plants meet the requirements for high efficiencies to reduce both fuel costs and emissions, as well as for a reliable supply of electric energy at low cost. Furthermore, recent developments in steam turbine technology and materials able to sustain high-temperatures allow for significant efficiency gains.