Alternative Fuels for Gas Turbine Plants — An Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Contractor’s Perspective

Tightly regulated and state-controlled utilities are rapidly changing into a competitive, market-driven industry, as private power development is being actively pursued worldwide. Accelerated economic growth in developing countries has fueled a massive growth in the power sector. Gas turbine based power plants have become an attractive option; however, many of these developing countries have limited supplies of conventional gas turbine fuels, namely natural gas or distillate oil. Therefore, power developers are seeking alternative fuels. This paper discusses the balance-of-plant (BOP) considerations and economics of using alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), naphtha, and crude/heavy oils.