The growing need of electricity gave birth to different mechanisms for its generation like thermal power plants and hydropower plants. Out of all the types of power plants, the gas power plant can be considered a cost-efficient option. Unlike other power plants, it predominantly relies on one source for generating electricity. Due to this and many other reasons, gas power plants are growing in popularity around the globe.
Setting up a gas power plant is a huge project that consists of several steps. There are many aspects involved in the running of a gas power plant.
You cannot compromise on anything because it can be very costly for you. Adopting a systematic approach is the key to completing such a big project effectively. This blog will inform you about all the things to be considered while setting up a gas power plant.
Site Exploration:
The first step of setting up a gas power plant is the exploration of the site. It is the base of the whole project, and it should be done with utmost care.
You should have a team of experts for helping you choose the most appropriate site according to the scope of your project. Several site studies should be conducted to ensure the selection of an excellent site.
The ideal case scenario is finding an already developed site that is ready for setting up a gas power plant. It will minimize the overall cost and time required for setting up the project.
Otherwise, you should go for the option that is closest to the natural gas pipeline. The farther the source of gas is from your plant, the more costly the project will become. You should choose the site far away from the population due to the environmental risks associated with the power plant.
Feasibility Study:
One of the key steps for setting up a gas power plant is its feasibility study. It tells you whether the project is viable or not. It involves an elaborate analysis of different factors associated with the project.
You can hire a well-reputed consultancy firm to give you a detailed overview of the potential of your project. The feasibility study helps you make up your mind whether to proceed with the plan or not.
Budget:
One of the most important things while starting any project is the budget allocation and gas power plants are no different.
There are different kinds of expenses associated with a gas power plant, and you need to take all into account. From acquiring land to fuel, everything requires solid investment. However, there are ways to cut down your expenses. For example, you can use less expensive fuel that gives an output equivalent to the costly sources.
Remember that a gas power plant is a mega project that might need multiple investors. You have to satisfy all the investors about the potential of the project. Make sure that you allocate a budget for everything beforehand to facilitate the smooth flow of operations.
Government Approval:
You cannot set up a gas power plant without the content of the government. After choosing the site, you should contact an attorney with prior experience to guide you through the approval process.
You are more likely to get approval from the local government if your site does not fall under prohibited zones. Both parties should agree on some terms and conditions to complete the deal.
Gas Supply:
The whole gas power plant project is dependent on the supply of natural gas. So, it is important to cater to all the requirements to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply natural gas supply. In addition to the constant supply of gas, the gas pressure is also an important factor to consider.
If the available gas pressure is less than the required amount, you will require additional setup and backup fuels. Doing so will increase the overall cost of the project.
Another thing worth considering is the quality of gas. Using a substandard gas quality will impede the working of your equipment resulting in lesser output.
Labor:
Labor is a vital factor to consider before setting up a gas power plant. Without skilled and dedicated labor, you can never achieve the desired results. Make sure that you choose the right people for the right job by thoroughly analyzing their capabilities. You should check the prior experience of your labor in the relevant fields.
Equipment:
You cannot run a gas power plant without the support of the required machinery. There is an extensive range of equipment required for a gas power plant. Some of the prominent ones are turbine, furnace, boiler, generator, transformer, and electric cables. Control valves are also used extensively in gas power plants.
With the help of efficient machinery, different operations of the plant will be conducted quickly and effectively. This way, the output generated from the plant increases.
Backup Fuel:
If you do not have an ample supply of natural gas, you would require backup fuel. It is not an ideal situation because it will increase the overall cost of the project. However, you can use cheaper fuel alternates like diesel to cut down expenses.
Environmental Hazards:
Considering the effect of the gas power plant on the environment is also important. Although natural gas combustion generates fewer hazards compared to some of the other sources, still it is not 100% environment-friendly. Different chemical reactions taking place during operations of a gas power plant give rise to harmful components like sulfur.
It is essential to ensure that there are minimal emissions of such gases in the air during processing. Recycling is a proven technique for decreasing the harmful emissions in the air, but it is very costly. Despite implying various techniques, you cannot eliminate the environmental hazards of a gas power plant completely.
Conclusion:
Natural gas power plants have many benefits over some of the other types of power plants. Hopefully, all guidelines mentioned above will provide you sufficient information for setting up a gas power plant.
