Usage of biomass CHP for balancing of power grid in Ukraine

The article contains the first considerations of the problematic of Ukrainian grid balancing issues raised by a rapid increase of RES share in total electricity supply. The provision of balancing electricity with accent on biomass combined heat and power plants (CHP) usage is considered. Three technical concepts are proposed for engaging of existing and planned biomass CHP into balancing operation primary operating in baseload regimes, namely – greenfield biomass thermal power plant (TPP) and CHP working primary in baseload regimes and provide balancing electricity when needed (with and without steam accumulation). It is shown that there are no principle technical limitations for biomass CHP/TPP usage for grid balancing. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of balancing electricity for proposed concepts are calculated and compared with the reference technology proposed by the national grid operator (gas-piston engines and/or gas turbine). According to the calculations performed the LCOE (EUR/MWh) of balancing electricity could be 77-88 EUR/MWh for biomass CHP primary operating in baseload and 216 EUR/MWh for greenfield biomass TPP against 206 EUR/MWh for gas-piston/gas-turbine for applied assumptions, prices and tariffs