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[Article] Warning over reliability of power plants

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  • 29-11-2003 5:58am
    #1
    Victor
    Registered Users Posts: 78,370 ✭✭✭✭


    So much for the new plants that have com on-stream in the last 3 years (Blanchardstown, Poolbeg2, Ringsend + windpower).

    http://www.rte.ie/news/2003/1128/esb.html
    Warning over reliability of power plants
    November 28, 2003 (08:41)

    The ESB National Grid has warned that the reliability of power generating plants around the country is at its lowest for a decade.

    In its Generation Adequacy Report published today, it warns that if plants do not improve their output, there will be a significant shortage of electricity for the next three years.

    The ESB National Grid is an independent body charged with running the country's electricity system. Its Adequacy Report sets out the predicted supply and demand for electricity here for the next six years.

    Despite two mobile generators being put in place by the ESB this year, the National Grid has warned that we may still be facing shortages, even when two new power plants approved yesterday come on stream in 2006.

    The reason for this is that existing power plants are operating at just 78% of their potential, creating a shortfall in supply at a time when demand is still growing at four times the EU average. The National Grid warns that if this continues there will be significant shortage over the next three years.

    The ESB, which is still the main power generator, said in a statement that increased demand in recent years meant that normal timespans for essential maintenance were not available.


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    #2
    mike65
    Closed Accounts Posts: 88,978 ✭✭✭✭mike65


    The answer to the problem is mentioned in the text namely the pretty low operating capacity of most stations - while some leyway needs to be built in, a 78%
    work load is'nt going to set any records....one presumes the recent price hikes are designed to make the market
    more attractive for independent operators.

    Mike.


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    #3
    jd
    Registered Users Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭jd


    Originally posted by mike65
    The answer to the problem is mentioned in the text namely the pretty low operating capacity of most stations - while some leyway needs to be built in, a 78%
    work load is'nt going to set any records....one presumes the recent price hikes are designed to make the market
    more attractive for independent operators.

    Mike.
    One other thing is that the ESB were not allowed to build any more generating plants - the logic been that alternative operators should be given a chance in the market..
    jd


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    #4
    l3rian
    Closed Accounts Posts: 867 ✭✭✭l3rian


    this is a great excuse for esb to increase prices again


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    #5
    Victor
    Registered Users Posts: 78,370 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    Originally posted by l3rian
    this is a great excuse for esb to increase prices again
    The ESB have been told by the regulator that any future price increases will be modest. Recent price increases have been to (a) fund the infrastructure deficit (many areas have had no upgrade stince first installation in the 1940s) (b) make the market more profitable for new entrants.


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