Feasibility of Wellhead Technology Power Plants for Electricity Generation
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Abstract
The overall objective of this research was to determine the feasibility of wellhead power plants for a sustainable supply of geothermal electricity. Technical, financial and environmental sustainability and feasibility were investigated. A profitability assessment model showed that the payback period based on profit after Tax is 4.4 and 3.4 years without corporate tax which demonstrates financial feasibility. Environmental challenges encountered include corrosive geothermal fluid contamination and emissions of no condensable gases. Technically, it was found out that wellhead plants have lower power plant availability and capacity factor but still acceptable since it is over 70% compared to over 95% for central power plants. Lack of reinjection wells, however, raise concerns over sustainability of resource use in the long term. The study concluded that the Eburru and Olkaria wellhead power plants in Kenya are technically, financially and environmentally sustainable and feasible. Financial viability can be enhanced by tax rebates and holidays while re-injection of geothermal fluid can enhance resource sustainability. The research showed that wellhead power plants make an investment in geothermal less risky and ensure quick returns though technically the central power plants are superior.
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