Page 38 - Fundamentals of Ocean Renewable Energy Generating Electricity From The Sea

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TABLE 1.5 Capacity Factors in 2013 for Various UK Power Plants
Plant Type Capacity Factor (%)
Nuclear power plants 73.8
Combined cycle gas turbine stations 27.9
Coal-fired power plants 58.4
Hydroelectric power stations 31.7
Wind power plants 32.3
Photovoltaic power stations 10.2
Marine (wave and tidal power stations) 9.7
Bioenergy power stations 58.0
Source: Data from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

of 8.9 GW, this represents a capacity factor of 85%. Clearly, intermittency is an
undesirable and challenging aspect of renewable energy conversion.
Capacity factor varies depending on the type of fuel that is used, the design
of the plant, its reliability, maintenance schedule, and can also be subject to
market forces. For example, if the wind is blowing strongly, there may be less
demand for electricity generated by natural gas, and so the capacity factor of
both wind and natural gas will be affected. Capacity factors for a variety of UK
power plants are listed in Table 1.5.

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