The production of thermal energy has advantages and disadvantages, just like all other power sources, as will be discussed below.
For almost 4,000 years, people have used thermal power as a natural source of energy for cooking and heating. One example of this thermal energy that occurs naturally is in hot springs. Such power plants are eye-catching options due to their affordable, environmentally friendly energy production in light of the current, rising power demands.
Let’s move on to the advantages and disadvantages of the thermal power plant. And you can also learn its working principle.
Advantages of Thermal Power Plants
Below are the advantages of Thermal Power Plants:
Financial Costs
Thermal power plants have extremely low production costs, which is one of their main benefits. The unit of the radioactive element unit depends on the charges applied to various components. Basically, these are based on 1. the return on equity, interest over the capital loan and drop over the interest on working capital, operation & maintenance cost, and cost of secondary oil.
Job Formation
Many jobs are created for the local communities by thermal power plants. The specialists needed for safe and effective operations include scientists, researchers, and drilling personnel.
Long-term Feasibility and Risks
In regions where there exists long-term steam generation, thermal plants can prosper and generate numerous megawatts of fresh power. In such cases, plants quickly recoup their initial costs.
Location Advantage
Thermal plants, as opposed to hydroelectric projects, have the advantage of being able to be located anywhere that is suitable without having to adhere to any particular geographic restrictions. Thermal plant locations can be selected considering areas where displacement of people is not required.
The cost-benefit ratio of thermal power plants is always better than that of hydroelectric projects because they are typically located close to major urban centers. The development of thermal power plants typically occurs in plain areas and does not necessitate very large areas, favoring the potential for expansion.
Environmental Impact
The thermal power plant doesn’t significantly harm the environment during its installation and construction phases. Fuels that emit essentially no toxins are used in the thermal power generation process. Not very large land areas are needed for the construction of thermal power plants.
This is advantageous for preserving the forest life that is being destroyed by the increased construction of industrial plants. The likelihood of air and soil pollution is significantly decreased by the short construction time required for thermal power plants.
A Reliable Source of Energy
Future power demands are thought to be better met by thermal energy production. The power plants have the flexibility to respond to various power requirements and changing demand pattern. Depending on the need, it can modify the power generation output.
Thermal power provides a stable output and is considered the backbone of grid supply. Thermal power generation is an energy source that is more dependable because the technology is well-established and widely available.
You can learn more about other types of power plants, such as Nuclear Power Plants, Hydroelectric Power Plants, Geothermal Power Plants, Solar Power Plants, Wind Power Plants, Tidal Power Plants, and Biomass Power Plants.
Disadvantages of Thermal Power Plants
The followings are the disadvantages of Thermal Power Plants:
High Installation Costs
The high upfront equipment costs of a geothermal plant are its main financial drawback. A plant compensates for itself in the long run to a greater extent the longer it is equipped.
High Maintenance Cost
A thermal power plant has high maintenance and operating costs. Thermal power plants contain complicated machinery and equipment that must be handled with care by qualified personnel. Machine issues happen frequently, and more maintenance is needed.
The ability of the plant to expand its capacity and resources is constrained by a lack of modern equipment and qualified personnel to handle operations and maintenance. Transporting raw materials and keeping large storage facilities for coal and other fuels come with additional costs.
Discharge of Harmful Gases
The sporadic release of harmful gases is the only ecological drawback. Since thermal power works by drilling into the Earth’s mantle, some poisonous gases may be released. These gases could be dangerous for plant employees, who should wear protective gear, but they only have a small impact once they are dispersed into the atmosphere.
Hazards
The area’s drawbacks include minor workplace hazards like exposure to crystalline silica dust, large water mains, and hot steam. Thankfully, these dangers are minimal, especially when compared to other energy sectors, like fossil fuels.
Locations
The fact that thermal power plants can only be built in areas where temperatures beneath the Earth’s surface allow for the long-term generation of steam is a significant disadvantage.
Additionally, it should be easy to bore through the local rock type. Widespread research is required to find these chief areas, and due to their scarcity, plants are at times compelled to function in comparatively distant areas. Both of these aspects add to the high preliminary cost of creating a geothermal facility.
Risks
Fire and explosion are the main hazards that are consequently associated with these thermal power plants. Suppose a boiler fails to get proper maintenance or any deviation of operation from the original process occurred, then there always remains a risk of explosion
Conclusion
You can fully comprehend the benefits and drawbacks of thermal power plants by using the arguments we have gathered.
Presently, the thermal power plant produces 70% of the entire electricity production. As we discussed some advantages and disadvantages of thermal power plants, it became clear that these facilities have many benefits, but their biggest drawback is environmental pollution.
