Economic Analysis of a Zero-Water Solar Power Plant for Energy Security
Source abstract
Abstract
Water dependency of power plants undermines energy security by making power generation susceptible to water scarcity. This study evaluates the economic performance of a novel dry-cooling system for a water-independent solar power plant. The proposed cooling system is based on the concept of earth–air heat exchangers, approaching zero environmental impact. The viability of the proposed design is discussed based on both costs and benefits, and it is compared to both conventional dry- and wet-cooling systems. The installation costs of the plant are found to be EUR 13,728/kW, resulting in the substantial levelized cost of electricity of EUR 505.97/MWh. The net present value of the studied design assuming a water-cost saving of EUR 1/m3 is found to be MEUR –139.59. Significantly higher water prices in the future might eventually make the proposed system economically attractive when compared to water-cooling systems. However, the new system would require drastic modifications to become more attractive when compared to existing dry-cooling systems. Specific possibilities to improve it for zero-water use in thermoelectric power plants are further discussed.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Geothermal Energy Systems and Applications · Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems · Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Thermal and Fluid Engineering, University Carlos III of Madrid, Avenida de la Universidad 30, Leganés, 28911 Madrid, Spain
Funding
Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities
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