Background
The recent shift in the global perspective of energy production strongly favors the development and implementation of renewable, low emission sources. Recent executive orders from the United States government direct multiagency priority to target a carbon-pollution free electricity sector during the next 15 years. Shifting the energy production grid from the current non-renewable sources to new renewable or decarbonized non-renewable technologies presents a variety of challenges that could strain energy supplies. An initial evaluation and demonstration of these technologies is being performed to identify and define pilot-scale systems that leverage commercial and government funding to create onsite net-zero cost-effective electricity production infrastructure at SwRI and to demonstrate new pilot-scale clean energy technologies for clients.
Approach
The internal research-funded portion of Project Z conducts a feasibility study and performs conceptual design activities to define opportunities for onsite production of zero-carbon electricity. The project will define SwRI’s characteristics and opportunities as a premiere location for clean energy research in preparation for pilot-scale research and development (R&D) to achieve U.S. decarbonization targets. The technical approach consisted of early feasibility study activities to evaluate SwRI’s electrical demand, site power requirements, and document infrastructure and contractual agreements. Subsequently, the project team will further develop and evaluate onsite power generation technologies that are appropriate for SwRI’s electricity usage, land availability, and natural gas/electric infrastructure at scales up to full-scale net-zero generation. Estimates on heat and material balance and further refinement of the pilot-scale system cost estimate will be matured by the end of the project to allow for a front-end engineering and design study.
Accomplishments
The Phase 1 project completed a feasibility study of conceptual design activities required to evaluate and quantify pilot scale R&D infrastructure at SwRI for zero-carbon electricity generation. These activities included characterization of SwRI’s demand profile and definition of potential feasibility challenges due to contractual terms, land use, power quality and reliability requirements, and gas supply. The end of the Phase 1 effort demonstrated the feasibility of the Project Z facility through careful analysis of risks. Work was completed on Phase 2, which resulted in more detailed techno-economic modelling and a down-selection of the candidate technologies based on the initial scoping analysis. The project continued into Phase 3, which adds more detail to the cost estimate, layout, and site analysis. Phase 3 will result in a more detailed heat and material balance, description of plant areas, and characterization of cost and risk.