Feasibility Assessment of Power Supply Options for Seawater Pumping Stations

Electrification of end-use services in the industrial sector is viewed as one of the key components for lowering hydrocarbon consumption and achieving a low-carbon future in Saudi Arabia. This paper describes a screening analysis that examines the economic viability and environmental benefits of replacing existing gas turbine-based mechanical pump drives with variable speed drive electric motors. The analysis is based on projected long-term duties of a seawater pumping network and expected prevailing energy prices in the country. Equipment sizing and off-design performance calculations for proposed gas turbine mechanical drive and electric motor options are accomplished using thermal-hydraulic simulation software. Economic and environmental viability of the electrification proposal is demonstrated by comparing its net life-cycle cost with that of mechanical drive options. The results of the analysis indicate an incremental twenty-year net present value of cash flow of over USD 530 million, in favor of the electrification option. In addition, its estimated that CO2 emissions can be reduced by approximately 900,000 metric tons per year.