Enhancing dispatch efficiency of the Nigerian power system: Assessment of benefits

摘要: Abstract Although developing countries typically deal with the challenge of mobilizing investments for adding new generation and transmission capacity to cope high demand growth, there are often opportunities enhance operation existing generators extract significant cost reduction as well ability meet greater demand. This is particularly relevant Nigerian power system that has 13 GW installed but could only 5.2 peak in 2018 at an average utilization 27% its thermal (mostly gas) fleet. There simple steps can be adopted restore merit-order based dispatch immediately yield operational reduction. Increased plant availability, gas supply plants, removal uneconomic take-or-pay obligation increasingly onerous tasks, commensurate significantly higher payoffs. We have used a analysis model show within current constraints annual benefit $29 million or 4% variable costs. With physical availability around plants supply, benefits increase by order magnitude $309 million, 19% total If it possible get rid obligations, would further $579 over 30% These major findings especially if we consider these context tremendous financial stress sector. do not estimate implementing measures, very little hard needed some cases such establishing strict enhancing practices improve availability. indeed difficult commercial institutional issues when comes renegotiating contracts, albeit massive excess half billion dollar per year should make worthwhile undertaking. Removal also allow increased unserved residents businesses, pave way towards penetration renewable energy (VRE) resources. shown addition 500 MW solar will earn reasonable return on investment between 9% help However, important precondition large-scale raise spinning reserve capability through additional flexible resources, namely, open cycle turbines (OCGT), pumped storage hydro battery systems.