Coal Powered Electricity Generation at Huntly Power Station in New Zealand - Case Study Example

Huntly Power Station, New Zealand Saud Barakah Alharbi Coal Powered Electri Generation at Huntly Power Station in New Zealand Saud Barakah Alharbi Student’s ID: Tutor’s Name: Name and Number of Program: Due Date: Table of Contents Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………..4 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………5 Methodology and Research Plan……………………………………………………………6 Results………………………………………………………………………………………7 Discussion of the Results…………………………………………………………………...11 Conclusions and Recommendations………………………………………………………..12 Signage……………………………………………………………………………………..13 References………………………………………………………………………………….14 Glossary…………………………………………………………………………………….16 Appendices…………………………………………………………………………………17 List of Images Figure 1…………………………………………………………………………………….7 Figure 2…………………………………………………………………………………….7 Figure 3…………………………………………………………………………………….8 Figure 4…………………………………………………………………………………….9 Figure 5…………………………………………………………………………………….10 Abstract This report has revolved around the question of coal powered electricity generation at the Huntly Power Station. This report is divided into sections that adequately answer the research question. The introduction has briefly outlined the research question and its context. The main goal of this report, which is to find out the efficiency of coal powered electricity generation at Huntly Power Station, New Zealand, has been comprehensively discussed. In order to effectively address the research question, this report has made use of both primary and secondary research sources. These sources include face to face interviews with relevant experts and engineers at the Huntly Power Station, and a review of literature such as magazine articles, online resources, newspapers, pamphlets and books. This report has been able to establish the efficiency of coal powered electricity at the Huntly Power Station in New Zealand. The report has concentrated on finding out the efficiency of coal powered electricity generation by comparing and contrasting it with other means of electricity generation. The results of the research that was conducted in regard to the research questions have also been discussed in great detail so as to determine the efficiency of coal powered electricity generation at the Huntly Power Station in New Zealand. This report has majorly focused on the Huntly Power Station, giving recommendations about the use of coal powered electricity at the Huntly Power Station. Introduction This report is focused on finding out the efficiency of coal powered electricity generation at the Huntly Power Station in New Zealand. Energy analysts have noted that the energy demands in New Zealand are growing at an average rate of about 2% per annum (Martin, 1991). Coal powered electricity generation is gaining popularity at a high rate. New Zealand needs new electricity generation options to cater for the ever growing electricity demands and needs. This is especially true considering the growing concerns about the negative effects that electricity generation, especially coal powered electricity generation, has on the environment and climate (Reilly, 2008). At the Huntly power station, other methods of electricity generation include the use of gas. Since Huntly is a thermal station, it uses gas and coal for fire (Bradley, 2007). At the Huntly Power Station, the question of coal powered electricity generation has always elicited numerous debates. There are those who feel that coal powered electricity generation at the Huntly Power Station is not very efficient compared to other forms of electricity generation. This report will discuss the results of research conducted to ascertain the viability, sustainability and renewability coal powered electricity generation at the Huntly Power Station. This topic is important because it seeks to find out the level of efficiency of coal powered electricity generation at Huntly. This matters because the country needs to have a viable, sustainable and renewable means of electricity generation (Davis & Dollimore, 1966, p 1). More information is needed so as to ascertain the efficiency and viability of coal powered electricity generation. The main reason and goal for this study is to find out how efficient the Huntly Power Station is in using coal to generate electricity. This study is limited to the Huntly Power Station, and it focuses specifically on the efficiency of coal powered electricity generation. Methodology and Research Plan To study the efficiency of coal powered electricity generation at the Huntly Power Station, a research plan was necessary. The research plan was as follows: i. Creation of evaluation criteria. The evaluation criteria were developed t form the basis of the research. The criteria considered the cost-effectiveness and durability of the research methods. It also took into consideration the methods that had the least disruptions. ii. Gathering of information. Information was gathered from both primary and secondary research sources, concerning the efficiency of coal powered electricity at the Huntly Power Station. Primary research involved face to face interviews with relevant experts and engineers at the Huntly Power Station. Secondary research involved the review of literature such as online resources, magazine articles, newspapers, books and pamphlets. This report therefore incorporated the use of primary and secondary research information to come up with the results that appear in it. iii. Interviewing of experts and relevant personnel. Experts and personnel were then interviewed to provide first hand information about the effectiveness of coal powered electricity generation at the Huntly Power station. iv. Analysis and interpretation of the research findings This report used photographs, graphs, charts, diagrams and drawings to analyze, interpret and present data. Data in this report was analyzed using photographs, graphs, charts, diagrams and drawings. These were also used to present the data that was used in this particular study. The first step involved finding out about the current situation of coal powered electricity generation at Huntly Power Station. The generation of electricity using coal was evaluated and discussed. A lot of literatures were also reviewed so as to come up with factual information about what was being studied. Interviews were also conducted on some key individuals who were able to present the required information to successfully complete this study. The next step entailed analyzing the use of coal to generate electricity at Huntly Power Station. A lot of literatures were also reviewed so as to form the basis of the discussion in this report. Face to face interviews were also conducted so as to find out first hand and cutting edge information regarding the topic under the discussion. In the end, all the data was analyzed using the tools discussed above and the information was presented in photographs, graphs, charts, diagrams and drawings as appears in the next section. Results In this section, the results of the study, which entailed finding out the efficiency of coal powered electricity generation at the Huntly Power Station, are revealed. It was found out through the expert that coal generated electricity at the Huntly Power Station has a lot of negative impacts on the environment because it produces green house gases which are released into the atmosphere (ElectroCity, 2010, p 2). Figure 1 below shows green house gases being released into the atmosphere from the Huntly Power Station coal plant. A review of secondary literature also established that the burning of coal releases green house gases. Figure 1 (Taken from the Huntly Power Station Website) Green house gases are a byproduct of electricity generation. Figure 2 below shows the ratios that various sources of energy release green house gases into the environment. Coal is seen to be have one of the greatest percentages in terms of releasing green house gases. Figure 2 (Taken from the UNFCCC website) It was also established through the expert that the river levels at the Huntly Power Station have very little effects on power station in General. The effects would only be felt when the Waikato River drops to extremely low levels. This is because the cooling system for the generators relies on the water from the river. Figure 3 below shows the coal plant at the Huntly Power Station. A review of secondary literature revealed that the plant is located right next to River Waikato so as to allow water from the river to be used in cooling the generators. Figure 3 (Taken from the Huntly Power Station Website) The study found out that one cannot just take out large amounts of water from the river without obtaining permission from the authorities. The expert pointed out that even when putting water back into the river, one has to consider its temperature so that it does not affect the operations at the station. In figure one above; it is evident that the waters of the River Waikato, passing through the Huntly Power Station, are in a controlled environment. It is not easy for members of the public to interfere with the water at this plant because access to it is restricted (Martin, 1991, p. 80). According to the expert who was interviewed, Martin Lockwood, compared to other means of electricity generation such as hydro electricity, the efficiency of coal powered electricity generation at the Huntly Power Station was found to be much lower, about 30%. This is considering the amount of electricity that comes out of coal generation in comparison to the amount of coal used to produce the said amount. Secondary sources show that coal powered electricity was found not to be as renewable as other means of electricity generation. This is also shown in figure 2 above. Figure 4 below shows some of proportions of renewable energy. Figure 4 (Taken from green world pictures) The expert who was interviewed (Martin Lockwood) revealed that the overall cost of producing electricity using coal or gas at the Huntly Power Station could not be easily established. He however pointed out that the cost could not be very high because coal in New Zealand is readily available and relatively cheap. However, a review of secondary literature revealed that coal in New Zealand is readily available and relatively cheap (Reilly, 2008, p 14). This means that in terms of costs, coal powered electricity generation is relatively efficient. The fact that New Zealand also has a lot of coal reserves, especially near Huntly, also makes its use relatively efficient (Solid Energy, 2002, p 2). The expert asserted that the rate at which the Huntly Power Station undergoes maintenance also affects the efficiency of coal powered electricity generation. This is true because if the equipment at the coal plant is maintained regularly, they are likely to be more efficient because they are mechanical machines (Solid Energy, 2002, p 1). The amount of electricity being produced by coal all over the world has been declining over the years. This has mostly been because other alternative sources, such as hydro electricity, wind electricity, gas electricity, and nuclear electricity have been discovered, and are being used in greater proportions. Figure 5 below shows the declining levels of electricity generated from coal (Solid Energy, 2002, p 2). Figure 5 (Taken from green world pictures) Discussion of the Results Based on the research and evaluations, the effectiveness of coal powered electricity generation at the Huntly Power Station is discussed in this section. The effects of coal powered electricity mostly come from the green house emissions (ORourke & Oliver, 2007, p 1). The green house emissions are very harmful to the environment. Information from the expert reveals that this problem can never be solved completely. However, this problem can be reduced by using catalytic converters. Filters can also be used to filter out the harmful particles, therefore, preventing them from harming the environment (Solid Energy, 2002, p 1). In regard to previous research studies, the findings of this paper are in tandem with information from previous researchers. It has been established that green house gases are byproducts of electricity generation using coal. Therefore, the impacts of using coal to generate electricity cannot be completely eliminated. They can only be reduced by the use of filters and catalytic converters. This means that even though coal is not 100% efficient, its efficiency can be improved. This, therefore, makes it relatively efficient (Spath, Mann & Kerr, 1999, p 33). Even though the cost s related to producing electricity from coal could not be established, it can be concluded that the cost is relatively low. This is because coal in New Zealand is readily available and relatively cheap. This means that in terms of costs, coal powered electricity generation is relatively efficient because it is relatively cheap. The fact that New Zealand also has a lot of coal reserves, especially near Huntly and surrounding areas, also makes its use relatively efficient. The frequency at which maintenance is done at the Huntly Power Station coal plant could not be established. However, if maintenance is done after short intervals, the efficiency of the plant can be improved. This is because the machines at the plant will be able to operate at greater efficiency if they undergo regular maintenance. In summary, the results reveal that the use of coal powered electricity generation at the Huntly Power Station is relatively efficient. This is because of many different factors such as the availability of coal. However, the efficiency can be improved if other factors such as regular maintenance are taken into consideration. Conclusions and Recommendations In conclusion, there is a lot that can be learnt from this research study concerning the efficiency of coal powered electricity at the Huntly Power Station. It can be concluded that coal is relatively efficient in electricity generation. This is considering the relatively low cost of coal and its availability. What remains to be learnt is more ways in which coal powered electricity generation can be made to be more efficient. The effects of coal powered electricity generation also need to be researched on so that more solutions can be found. The weaknesses of this study lie in the fact that acquiring first hand information from the Huntly Power Station was rather challenging. It was difficult to establish the exact costs of using coal to produce electricity. It was also difficult to determine how often maintenance is done at the Huntly Power Station. The results of this study can be applied when seeking to improve the efficiency of coal powered electricity generation, and reducing its effects. To improve the efficiency of coal powered electricity generation, the following recommendations can be implemented: Use of catalyst converters to reduce carbon emissions from coal plants. Use of filters to reduce the amount of carbon emissions from coal plants. Ensure regular maintenance at the station to improve the efficiency of machines. Engage in more comprehensive research to find out ways of reducing the impacts of coal powered electricity generation to the environment and improve its efficiency. Design changes can be implemented so as to reduce the environmental impacts of coal powered electricity. Monitor the levels of water at the river and reduce the cost of electricity production. Signage Contact Details: Date of Completion: Word Count: References Davis, B. N., & Dollimore, E. S. (1966). An Encyclopedia of New Zealand: Huntly. Page 1. Retrieved from http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/huntly/1 ElectroCity. (2010). Thermal. Page 1-3. Retrieved from http://www.electrocity.co.nz/images/factsheets/Thermal%20Energy.pdf Martin, J. E. (1991). People, power and power stations: Electric power generation in New Zealand 1880 - 1990. Wellington: Bridget Williams Books Ltd and Electricity Corporation of New Zealand. Page 5-95. Ministry of Economic Development. (2007). New Zealand energy strategy to 2050 - Powering our future: Towards a sustainable low emissions energy system. New Zealand: New Zealand Ministry of Economic Development. Page 2-57. ORourke, S., & Oliver, P. (2007, July 6). Farmers plan war over power pylons. The New Zealand Herald. Page 1. Retrieved from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10449992 Reilly, H. (2008). Connecting the country: New Zealand’s national grid 1886-2007. Wellington: Steele Roberts. Page 10-103. Solid Energy. (2002). Coal- The world’s leading energy source. Page 1-2. Retrieved from http://www.coalnz.com/index.cfm/3,169,368/usesofcoal.pdf Spath, P. L., Mann, M. K., & Kerr, D. R. (1999). Life cycle assessment of coal-fired power production. Colorado: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Page 3-88. Retrieved from http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy99osti/25119.pdf Glossary Catalyst converter: “an exhaust emission control device which converts toxic chemicals in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine into less noxious substances” Coal: “a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock usually occurring in rock strata in layers or veins called coal beds or coal seams” Filter: “a device to separate mixtures” or “that is designed to physically block certain objects or substances while letting others through” or “a barrier placed perpendicular to a liquid or air flow. It is used to separate fine solids from liquids or air” Appendices Appendix 1 Huntly Power Station Huntly Power Station is a thermal power station that can use coal, gas or both simultaneously as fuel. Coal is delivered to the station primarily via an overland conveyor belt. Gas is piped to the station from the Taranaki region. With a present output of 1,448MW, Huntly Power Station is New Zealand’s largest thermal power station and can provide up to 20 percent of the country’s electricity. Huntly is strategically located only 70km from Auckland, the largest load centre, and plays a critical roll in supplying New Zealand with power. Huntly Power Station consists of six separate generating plants; Units 1 - 4, the original four separate generating units of 250MW each, which are capable of burning coal, natural gas or a combination of the two; Unit 5, the 400MW combined cycle gas turbine (previously known as e3p), and Unit 6, a 48MW open cycle gas turbine. It is recognised that the Huntly Power Station impacts on the environment by way of: The discharge of emissions to air; The discharge of heated water (used to cool the generating units) to the Waikato River; The discharge of treated process waters to the Waikato River; Dust emissions from the storage of coal on land; The disposal of ash; and The aesthetic impact of the power station on Huntly township. Genesis Energy holds a number of resource consents for the activities at the Huntly Power Station that assist in the management and mitigation of the environmental effects. The environmental performance at the site with respect to these resource consents is regularly monitored and reported to Environment Waikato and the Waikato District Council. . Genesis Energy is also involved in various environmental initiatives that recognise the impact that the Huntly Power Station has on the environment and local community. Further information on how Genesis Energy manages its impacts can be seen here. Read More