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Search results for: “climate model”

  • Mine trucks: transport economics?

    Mine trucks: transport economics?

    There are around 50,000 giant mining trucks in operation globally. The largest examples are 15m long, 10m wide, 8m high, can carry around 350-450 tons and reach top speeds of 40mph. This data-file captures the economics, costs and inflationary impacts of decarbonization.

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  • Synchronous condensers: the economics?

    Synchronous condensers: the economics?

    This data-file captures the costs of installing a synchronous condenser, downstream of a renewable power facility, to emulate the inertia, reactive power and short circuit power from conventional generators. 1.0 – 2.5 c/kWh of costs may be added to the power supplies flowing out of the SC.

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  • Carbon neutral investing: hedge funds, forest funds?

    Carbon neutral investing: hedge funds, forest funds?

    This 11-page note considers a new model of โ€˜carbon neutralโ€™ investing. Look-through emissions of a portfolio are quantified (Scope 1 & 2 basis). Then accordingly, an allocation is made to high-quality, nature-based CO2 removals. Advantages and practicalities are discussed.

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  • Variable frequency drives: the economics?

    Variable frequency drives: the economics?

    Variable frequency drives optimize the operating speeds of electric motors. Average energy saving are 34% and average costs are $250/kW. Hence our modelling calculates >15% IRRs installing a VFD at a typical industrial motor. This data-file captures the economics.

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  • Glass fiber: the economics?

    Glass fiber: the economics?

    This data-file models the economics of producing glass fiber, the key component in fiberglass for wind turbines; but also a light-weight insulating material. Marginal cost is likely $2,000/ton, with a CO2 intensity of 1.5 tons/ton. Some Chinese product is 50% cheaper but 2x more CO2 intensive.

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  • LNG regasification: the economics?

    LNG regasification: the economics?

    This data-file captures the economics for a typical LNG regas facility. We estimate that a fixed plant with 75-80% utilization requires a spread near to $0.5-0.8/mcf on its gas imports, in order to earn a 5-10% IRR. But there is asymmetric upside amidst gas shortages.

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  • Fuel retail: economics of a petrol station?

    Fuel retail: economics of a petrol station?

    This data-file captures the economics for a fuel-retailing “petrol station” to earn a 10% IRR. A typical EBIT marginย is 17c/gallon; with a c6% margin on direct fuel sales; plus 10-20% of revenues from convenience retail at a higher, c25-30% margin.

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  • Japan: nuclear restart tracker?

    Japan: nuclear restart tracker?

    This data-file on ย looks through 17 major nuclear plants in Japan with 45GW of operable capacity, covering the key parameters and re-start news on each facility. Japan’s nuclear restart had ramped output back to 78TWH pa by 2023, and may rise by a further 100 TWH by 2030, to meet targets for 20% nuclear in…

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  • Oil storage terminals: the economics?

    Oil storage terminals: the economics?

    This data-file captures the economics of constructing an oil storage terminal (aka a “tank farm”). A typical facility needs to charge a $1.5/bbl storage spread to earn a 10% IRR over a 30-year life. Capex costs per kWh of energy are 97% lower than grid-scale batteries. It may become more challenging to finance new facilities…

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  • Energy security: the return of long-term contracts?

    Energy security: the return of long-term contracts?

    Spot markets have delivered more and more โ€˜commodities on demandโ€™. But is this model fit for energy transition? Many markets are now short, causing explosive price rises. Sufficient volumes may still not be available at any price. This note considers a renaissance for long-term contracts.

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