Which power plant has minimum operating cost?
A. Hydroelectric power plant
B. Thermal power plant
C. Nuclear power plant
D. Gas Turbine Power Plant
Please scroll down to see the correct answer and solution guide.
Right Answer is: A
SOLUTION
Concept:
The operating or running cost is a variable factor-dependent mainly on the amount of energy generated. It includes fuel cost, operating labor cost, maintenance cost, supplies, supervision, operating taxes, etc.
Some of these costs remain constant as long as the plant is in active operation or is held in readiness to produce energy. The operating cost and its contributing factors also vary with the type of power plant.
In thermal power plants, the major contributing factor in total operating cost id the cost of fuel, which may be 75% of the total operating cost.
In Nuclear power plants, fuel costs are lower but operation and maintenance cost is much more than a conventional thermal; plant.
The operating cost of a hydroelectric plant is considerably less due to the absence of the fuel cost.