Some economic and engineering considerations for floating, coal-fired 100mw power plant

A study was undertaken to develop the concept of utilizing marine space for the deployment of an electric power plant. The analysis developed suggests that a floating coal-fired power plant in a semi-submersible hull is technically and economically feasible. Technical considerations indicate that the system should be composed of three 50MW electric generating units modified with marine boilers. This system would be deployable within existing technology. Economic feasibility indicated: capital costs of 3.6 mills/KWH; other fixed costs of 1.3 mills/KWH; operating costs of 2 mills/KWH and fuel costs between 4.6 and 7.6 mills/KWH. Initial studies concluded that coal could be a less expensive fuel than oil given: (1) high-productivity, low-cost, large-scale mining of Western or Alaskan coal, and (2) efficient overland coal transportation. When the social and environmental benefits of locating the power plant offshore are considered, the floating power plant appears distinctly superior.