Major problems of diesel power plant switch to alternative types of fuel

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to reveal the major problems of existing diesel power plant conversion to other types of fuel, which are less costly and more affordable. Diesel power plants traditionally operating on diesel fuel are used to provide electric energy for isolated remote areas of the Far North. Diesel fuel is brought to these areas from afar and is quite expensive, the price of electricity produced by diesel power plants ranges from 10 to 20 rubles/kWh. In connection with the development of oil and natural gas fields in the Far North of Russia, it is advisable to switch local diesel power plants to alternative types of fuels. The study uses official statistics and comparative analysis methods. The current state of the existing diesel power plants is described and the examples of diesel power plant conversion to alternative fuels such as natural gas, oil, fuel oil are given. It is shown that diesel is not the main fuel for power plants. The main problems of diesel power plant switch to other types of fuel are presented. One of the ways to implement the energy-saving policy is the gradual transfer of existing diesel power plants to alternative fuels, which are economically and technically more feasible in certain conditions of the remote territories of the Far North.