Power-station refurbishment within the CEGB

Studies to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of running the CEGB coal-fired plant in excess of their original design lives (100/150000 operating hours) have shown substantial cost advantages compared to building new plant. An in-depth life assessment has been carried out for all major power-plant components at each coal-fired power station. This has highlighted the investment profile required to achieve lives of up to 45 years which for some 500 MW generating units corresponds to in excess of 300000 operating hours. The studies have led the CEGB to implement a programme of progressive refurbishment which maximises the commercial value of existing plant. It is based on component replacement within the statutory and planned overhaul periods of generating plant. The authors describe the CEGB management and technical approach to power-station refurbishment