Economical considerations about combined cycle power plant control in deregulated markets

Electrical energy markets around the world present various structures, which are evolving to pursue perfect competition. Then, it is essential to choose the best generating cost structure of power plants with respect to present and future market opportunities. In this view, the paper analyzes the economical impact of some technical choices for gas–steam combined cycle power plants. Attention is paid to the effects on the generating cost structure of the various types of combined cycle regulation and of the environmental parameters and constraints. The results for two different plants are reported as examples. Eventually, conclusions are drawn on how such technical features may influence the positioning in the market and the bidding opportunities of the power plant.