California Energy Commission staff caper. Issues related to reliability of power plants in California
Concern is expressed that without reexamination on the part of the industry of its past policies, traditions and practices, the power plants yet to be licensed in the State of California may not fulfill their full productivity potential. Also, this document seeks a recognition of all parties participating in the regulatory processes, that unless appropriate and deliberate measures are applied, the reliability of the future power generating facilities may be inconsistent with the energy needs, and consequently the reliability deficiency may have to be compensated for by construction of additional generating units that otherwise should not be required. Accordingly, the causes and factors contributing to degradation of power plants reliability are identified, and various means of reduction (or elimination) of such causes, along with related economic aspects are discussed. Basic policies derived from the statutory requirements, the ensuing Commission's role, and the role of the Commission's staff relative to the reliability issues are identified. The contents of this document are applicable to any type of baseload power generating facility. The provided record, pointing to the need for reliability improvement covers the history of nuclear, geothermal, coal, gas, and oil-fired units. The record encompasses variables such as the generating unit size (MW) and the plant maturity (age). Also, certain facilities with exceptional productivity levels, which resuled from specific measures taken to achieve them, are identified. In addition to the specific measures that can be taken to increase the power plant's reliability, the recommendation to study the merits of incentivising the power industry to improve the productivity levels of future power plants is included.
- Research Organization:
- California Energy Commission, Sacramento (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 7040953
- Report Number(s):
- P-700-79-016
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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