15 mw geothermal energy plant
DESCRIPTION
15 MW Geothermal Energy Plant. Stephen Mc Loughlin Stephen Devlin Paul O Reilly Mark Flanagan. Project Introduction. Asked by interested investors to look into viability of investment in renewables - Particulary Geothermal. Market gap for mid sized geothermal solution. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
15 MW Geothermal Energy Plant
Stephen Mc Loughlin
Stephen Devlin
Paul O Reilly
Mark Flanagan
Project IntroductionAsked by interested investors to look into viability of
investment in renewables - Particulary Geothermal.Market gap for mid sized geothermal solution.Fluctuation of fossil energy prices have made for a
volatile market – Goethermal is a safe alternative. Geothermal generation offers a dependable and
constant source of revenue – costs are virtually unaffected by prevailing fuel prices.
Many geothermal plants have been in operation for years around the globe – Proven Reliability.
Presentation Brief
All aspects of planning and development of a geothermal plant in Ireland.
Planning Permission and Regulation.Budget and Risk.Timeline and project plan. Suitable locations and technical aspects.
A Natural form of EnergyHeat Generated from decay of mineralsWorldwide use – Iceland geezers, thermal baths, New
Zealand ect….30 Degree temp rise for each KM drilled – IrelandConsidered to be sustainable – Takes little heat from
overallNot dependant on other energy sourcesLow emissions and visual impact
Choosing A Suitable LocationHigh Temperature GradientPossibly at a natural fault line (Fracture)Near Transmission or a large IndustryNear Supply of Water for CoolingGood Surrounding InfrastructureReasonably priced Land – Private Local Community impacts and planning
Temperature Gradient & Fault Lines
Transmission & Available Land and Water
Infrastructure
Planning and Regulation Five areas are of key importance relating to
planning and regulation for this type of project.Pre Planning negotiationsEnvironmental impact statementPlanning submissions Planning appeals Public consultations and awareness
Pre Planning negotiationsLocal authority consulted from outsetImportant first step prior to detailed planConsulted in all aspects of projectInformed of benefits to local community – job
creation, clean energy ect…Building relationships are key to this projects
success
Environmental Impact Statement
An EIS is a tool for decision makingLists the pros and cons of any environmentally
related project aswell as suggesting alternativesEPA annex 1 development ensures that EIS is
mandatoryForms part of the basis of planningEnvironmental consultants are tasked with EIS
Planning submissionsNotice placed in local and national papersApplication lodged with local council within 2
weeks2-5 weeks required by council to assess
development and allow for objectionFurther 4 weeks required to allow appeals to be
made to Bord PleanalaIf no objections within this timeframe final
permission is granted
Public awareness / consultation
Transparent and open approach towards the community
Public meetings to hear local views and address concerns
Website and phone information serviceSponsorship of local evens Avoid poor communication as seen in Corrib
pipeline project.
Technical aspects of projectKinegad location shows a 90 degree gradient –
perfect for binary cycle plant.Expected thermal efficiency of 10 – 13%System is “closed loop” No emissions to
atmosphereTakes nothing but heat – water goes back downExpected to generate at 20kV – 15 MW output.Plant is high availability, little downtime once
operational – ideal base load generator.
Project plan & Timeline
Project plan & Timeline
Budget & FinanceFigures not correct, this is just basic idea for the slide• Research , geophysical surveys and test drilling – 4 Million• Planning and consultations – 2 million • Cost of Transmission Line – 4Million.• Cost of plant build – 20 Million• Assumed Online Availability Factor = 95%• Operation and Maintenance Costs for Plant and Field in cents/kWh = 1c• Production prices of about 5-7 cent per KWh once running• Electricity Sales Price in cents/kWh = 12 cents• Money made from Electricity Sales Price in cents/kWh = 5 cents• Average Cost of Production Well = 10 million• Average Cost of Injection Well = 10 million• Total Capital Costs of the Geothermal Power Project per kW = 100M• Total Capital Costs of the Geothermal Power Project per kW – 3000Euro• Payback Period = 20 years 30 – 40 according to GT energy
Budget & Finance
Risk – Barriers High initial capital costs. Planning, permit and legislation – any changes hold up project. Pre build risks – survey errors and research oversight. Geographical risk–Tremors, land subsidence, temperature decline Environmental risk – fines and penalties. Failure of Equipment or injection/production Wells Cost over runs over the life of the project. Very little information of deep geology in Ireland Lack of supporting funding schemes Inappropriate regulatory framework
Risk Mitigation Government cost sharing and grant schemes. Large database of research and operation projects. Be informed of up to date technical information and associated risk. Tax incentives. Funding From Sustainable Energy Authority (SEAI) Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT) Having a Power Purchase Agreement in place - help to raise financial
support Risk insurance schemes – state sponsored like in Germany – never
claimed Guaranteed loan structure.
Communication
Environmental impactGeo generation is far cleaner then thermal plants such
as coal, oil ect….No negative effect on climate changePlants of this type are low profile – surrounding area not
badly affected.The right balance must be struck regarding heat
extractionGeothermal water can be toxic – must not be releasedSteam is only byproduct – large plumes can be seen
from this type of plant
Benefits of Geothermal Energy
Not dependant on climate – Available 24/7 Secure, Reliable and Unlimited Energy Supply Decreases dependency on fossil fuels Price of energy will not change Low Emissions and minimum Visual impact No Air or Water Pollution Only small amount of land required Running costs are very low Helps government to achieve energy and emissions targets