Work

Evaluating Coal, RDF, and Ammonia Blends in Power Plants: Techno-Economic Insights and Coal Phase-Out Implications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This comprehensive techno-economic analysis focuses on a proposed power plant that uses cleaner alternatives to traditional combustion methods. The study meticulously examines ternary blends of ammonia, refuse-derived fuels (RDFs), and coal. Utilizing an Aspen Plus simulation equilibrium model, a thorough review of the relevant literature, and evaluation reports on biomass-to-energy power plants and ammonia combustion, the analysis spans 20 years. It considers vital financial metrics such as the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period (PBP). The findings indicate that the combustion of pure coal is the most energy-efficient but has the highest global warming potential (GWP). In contrast, ammonia and RDF blends significantly reduce GWP, with ammonia showing a 3215% lower GWP than coal. Economically, pure coal remains the most attractive option. However, blends of 80% coal, 10% ammonia, and 10% RDF also show promise with a PBP of 11.20 years at a 15% discount rate. These results highlight the potential of ammonia and RDF blends to balance environmental and economic considerations in power generation.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en18061524

Authors: Antonio Chavando, Valter Bruno Silva, João Sousa Cardoso, Daniela Eusebio

Institutions: University of Lisbon, Universidade Politécnica de Portalegre, Instituto Superior Técnico, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, University of Aveiro

Language: English

Topic: Renewable energy and sustainable power systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137