Old Thermal Generation - Phase 1 Report

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Summary:

Within the California Independent System Operator (ISO) control area and the State of California, there are a significant number of old thermal generating units and most of them use once-through-cooling (O-T-C) technology, utilizing large amounts of ocean or estuarial water. The O-T-C process is used for condensing low-pressure steam to water as part of the thermal cycle of these units. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is considering a proposal that would require these units to stop or greatly reduce the amount of ocean or estuarial water they use in the cooling process in order to minimize the intake and mortality of marine life. Also, the California Energy Commission (CEC) has recommended that a significant number of aged generating units (greater than 30 years old) be retired or repowered by 2012. This Report uses studies done for years 2008, 2010, and 2012 to identify the reliability implications in the California ISO control area of removing these units from service, assuming different levels of offsetting generation additions.

Document Locations:

• Once-Through Cooling Generation