An Update on the Cost Comparison of Chemical and Thermal Storage for Power Generation in Namibia

SolarPACES

Authors

  • Arno Pfohl Namibia Power Corporation
  • Ernst Krige Namibia Power Corporation
  • Benedictus Mingeli Namibia Power Corporation

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52825/solarpaces.v3i.2293

Keywords:

Power Generation, Thermal Energy Storage, Chemical Energy Storage, Cost Comparison, Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE), Cost Benefit Ratio (CBR), Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

Abstract

Based on a previous study, this paper presents a new cost comparison between chemical and thermal energy storage application in power generation [1]. Despite the methodology of the analysis remaining the same as the previous study, the existing cost input data used in the previous study is updated with new cost input data derived from the latest bids received in the Battery Energy Storage System Project procured by Namibia Power Corporation in 2023. The study was derived from an electricity supply challenge within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). The unique mismatch between the supply and demand of electricity has caused extreme price variations during peak and off-peak periods. The objective of the study was to determine a suitable economical solution to counterbalance the effect of the extreme price variations. Following this cost comparison analysis, it can be inferred that thermal energy storage has become increasingly financially viable compared to chemical storage for power generation.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] A.R. Pfohl, “Cost Benefit of Thermal Storage for Power Generation,” Stellenbosch School of Business - Research Assignment, 2023.

[2] International Energy Agency, “World Energy Outlook 2022”, IEA, 2022.

[3] Southern African Power Pool, “SADC Southern African Power Pool”: https://www.sapp.co.zw/ or https://www.sappmarket.com, SAPP (2023, 04 21).

[4] NREL, “System Advisor Model.” National Renewable Energy Laboratory: https://sam.nrel.gov/, (2023, February 10).

[5] W. Short, D.J Packey, & T. Holt. (1995), “A manual for the economic evaluation of ener-gy efficiency and renewable energy technologies,” (No. NREL/TP-462-5173), National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States).

[6] A. E. Boardman, D. H. Greenberg, A. R. Vining, & D. L. Weimer (2017). “Cost-benefit analysis: concepts and practice.” Cambridge University Press.

[7] M. Geyer, F. Trieb, S. Giuliano. (2020). “Repurposing of existing coal-fired power plants into Thermal Storage Plants in Chile.” Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusam-menarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

[8] K. Mongird, V. V. Viswanathan, P. J. Balducci, M. J. Alam, V. K. Fotedar, & B. Hadjerioua. (2019). “Energy storage technology and cost characterization report,” (No. PNNL-28866). Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States).

[9] P.L. Joskow (2011). “Comparing the costs of intermittent and dispatchable electricity generating technologies,” (101(3), 238-241). American Economic Review.

[10] U. Nissen, N. Harfst (2019). “Shortcomings of the traditional “levelized cost of energy” [LCOE] for the determination of grid parity.” (171, 1009-1016). Energy.

Downloads

Published

2025-11-20

How to Cite

Pfohl, A., Krige, E., & Mingeli, B. (2025). An Update on the Cost Comparison of Chemical and Thermal Storage for Power Generation in Namibia: SolarPACES. SolarPACES Conference Proceedings, 3. https://doi.org/10.52825/solarpaces.v3i.2293

Conference Proceedings Volume

Section

Thermal Energy Storage Materials, Media, and Systems
Received 2024-08-28
Accepted 2025-08-04
Published 2025-11-20