A Comparative Analysis of Power Generation Technologies in the Philippines
A Comparative Analysis of Power Generation Technologies in the Philippines Metric Coal Plant Gas Plant Solar Plant Wind Turbine Hydropower Plant Capital Cost $1,000–$3,000/kW $1,000–$1,500/kW $800–$1,500/kW $1,200–$1,700/kW $1,500–$5,000/kW Operating Cost Moderate ($30–$40/MWh) Moderate ($20–$50/MWh) Low ($5–$15/MWh) Low ($15–$30/MWh) Low to Moderate ($20–$40/MWh) Fuel Source Imported/local coal Imported LNG/natural gas Sunlight (free) Wind (free) River/Water flow (free) Capacity Factor High (40–85%) High (50–70%) Low (10–25%) Moderate (25–35%) High (40–90%) Environmental Impact High emissions (CO2, SOx, NOx) Moderate emissions (CO2, lower than coal) Low (minimal emissions, land use concerns) Low (minimal emissions, visual/noise impacts) Low (disrupts ecosystems, flooding risks) Energy Storage Needs None None High (required for nighttime supply) High (required during low wind periods) Low (natural storage via reservoirs) Lifespan 40–50 years 20–30 years 20–25 years 20–25 years 50–100 y...