Question
Download Solution PDFWith reference to power generation, the initial cost of _______ power plant is highest and the running cost of _______ power plant is lowest.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFExplanation
Initial Cost:
- Nuclear power plants have the highest initial cost due to expensive construction, safety measures, and regulatory requirements.
Running Cost:
- Hydroelectric power plants have the lowest running cost since they utilize the natural flow of water, requiring minimal fuel or operational expenses.
Comparison between different power plants:
| Item | Nuclear Power Plant | Steam Power Plant | Hydro Power Plant | Gas & Diesel Power Plant |
| Site | These plants are located away from thickly populated areas to avoid radio-active pollution | Such plants are located at a place where a supply of water and coal is available, transportation facilities are adequate | Such plants are located where large reservoirs can be obtained by constructing a dam e.g. in hilly areas | Such plants can be located at any place because they require less space and a small quantity of water. |
| Capital Cost | The initial cost is the highest because of the huge investment in building a nuclear reactor. (But less than Hydro Plant) | The initial cost is lower than those of hydroelectric and nuclear power plants. | The initial cost is very high because of dam construction and excavation work | The initial cost is less as compared to other plants. |
| Operating Cost | Except for the hydroelectric plant, it has the minimum running cost because a small amount of fuel can produce a relatively large amount of power | Higher than hydroelectric and nuclear plants because of the re- requirement of the huge amount of coal. | Nil | Highest among all (except nuclear) plants because of the high price of diesel. |
| Cost of Fuel Transportation | Less clean than hydroelectric and diesel power plants. | Maximum because a huge amount of coal is transported to the plant site. | Nil | Cleaner than steam power and nuclear power plants. |
| Overall Efficiency | More efficient than the steam power station |
Least efficient. Overall efficiency is about 25%. | Most efficient. Overall efficiency is about 85% | More efficient than a steam power station. Efficiency is about 35%. |
| Standby Losses | Fewer standby losses. | Maximum as the boiler remains in operation even when the turbine is not working. | No standby losses. | Fewer standby losses. |
Last updated on May 29, 2025
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