Improving Power Plant Energy Efficiency

Thermal power plants are heavily affected by downward revisions in electricity demand, and its use in industry is tempered by lower economic activity. Coal phase-out policies, the rise of renewables, and competition from natural gas lead to part-load operating and the retirement of 275 gigawatts of coal-fired capacity worldwide by 2025 (13% of the total). To limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the world would need to transform in several complex and connected ways. The ever-growing cost of fuel reduction in heat rate and auxiliary power consumption of existing power plants will lead to better resource utilization and reduced emissions.