Power Grids
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Kraken Technologies: smart grid breakthrough?
Kraken Technologies is an operating system, harnessing big data across the power value chain, from asset optimization, to grid balancing, to utility customer services. We reviewed ten patents, which all harness big data, of which 65% optimize aspects of the grid, and 40% are using AI. This supports the deployment of distributed energy, renewables and…
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Power generation: asset lives?
Power generation asset lives average c70-years for large hydro, 55-years for new nuclear, 45-years for coal, 33-years for gas, 20-25 years for wind/solar and 15-years for batteries. This flows through to LCOE models. However, each asset type follows a distribution of possible asset lives, as tabulated and contrasted in this data-file.
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Hydro electric power: the economics?
A typical hydro project requires a 10c/kWh power price and a $50/ton CO2 price to generate an unlevered IRR of 10%. 80% of the cost is capex. Hence at a 6% hurdle rate, the incentive price falls to 6c/kWh. Cash opex is 2c/kWh. CO2 intensity is effectively nil, even after reflecting the construction energy.
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Transformer costs: the economics?
Transformer costs must typically run at $8/kVA to earn a 10% IRR constructing a new transformer manufacturing facility, across capex costs, materials costs, specialized labor costs, and all built-up from first principles in this economic model. We have also screened 25 leading companies in transformer manufacturing.
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Power electronics: market size in energy transition?
Power electronic devices are used to transform and control the flow of electricity, especially at large, commercial and industrial scale. Different types of power electronic equipment, their costs are described in this data-file. We see a $600bn capital goods market accelerating to an 8% CAGR and reaching $1trn pa by 2030, amidst electrification, energy transition…
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Purchasing power: what are generation assets worth?
There has never been more controversy over the fair values of power generation assets, which hinge on their remaining life, utilization, flexibility, power prices, rising grid volatility and CO2 credentials. This 16-page guide covers the fair values of generation assets, hidden opportunities and potential pitfalls.
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Prysmian E3X: reconductoring technology?
Prysmian E3X technology is a ceramic coating that can be added onto new and pre-existing power transmission cables, improving their thermal emissivity,so they heat up 30% less, have 25% lower resistive losses, and/or can carry 25% increased currents. This data-file locates the patents underpinning E3X technology, identifies the materials used, and finds a strong moat.
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Transaction prices for power generation assets?
Transaction prices for power generation assets are tabulated in this data-file, capturing 65 deals for gas plants, wind, solar, hydro and nuclear, globally and over time. Median prices are c$1,000/kW, but range from $2,500 in the upper decile.
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Gas peaker plants: the economics?
Gas peaker plants run at low utilizations of 2-20%, during times of peak demand in power grids. A typical peaker costing $950/kW and running at 10% utilization has a levelized cost of electricity around 20c/kWh, to generate a 10% IRR with 0.5 kg/kWh of CO2 intensity. This data-file shows the economic sensitivities to volatility and…
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Gas power generation across five-minute intervals?
Power generation data are aggregated for ten of the largest CCGTs and gas peaker plants in Australia, across five-minute intervals, May-2024 and May-2014. This makes for a fascinating case study into how gas turbines are used to stabilize power grids, backstop renewables, and how this has changed over time.
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