1. What is the Cost of Coal per kWh?

The cost of coal per kWh represents the fuel cost component of electricity generation from coal, accounting for both the price of coal and the efficiency of its conversion to electricity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• \( Coal\ Price \) — Price of coal per ton ($/ton)
• \( Efficiency \) — Conversion efficiency (kWh/ton)
• \( Fixed\ Costs \) — Additional fixed costs per kWh ($/kWh)

Explanation: The equation divides the coal price by the conversion efficiency to get the variable cost component, then adds any fixed operational costs per kWh.

3. Importance of Cost Calculation

Details: Calculating the cost per kWh is essential for energy pricing, plant economics, and comparing different energy sources. It helps determine the profitability and competitiveness of coal-fired power generation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter coal price in $/ton, efficiency in kWh/ton, and fixed costs in $/kWh. All values must be positive numbers, with efficiency greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical efficiency value for coal plants?
A: Modern coal plants typically achieve 2,500-3,500 kWh/ton, while older plants may be less efficient (1,500-2,500 kWh/ton).

Q2: What do fixed costs include?
A: Fixed costs may include operation and maintenance costs, capital costs, and other non-fuel expenses per kWh generated.

Q3: How does coal price affect electricity cost?
A: Higher coal prices directly increase the variable cost component, making electricity more expensive to produce.

Q4: Why is efficiency important?
A: Higher efficiency means more electricity is generated from each ton of coal, reducing the cost per kWh.

Q5: How does this compare to other energy sources?
A: This calculation allows for direct comparison with other fuel sources when similar cost-per-kWh calculations are performed.