Flexible operation of CCS power plants to match variable renewable energies

The German Energiewende is resulting in high grid load changes caused by renewable energies. Therefore flexibility of power plants is getting more and more important. Future CCS power plants are usually equipped with more components than conventional power plants, resulting in a more complex and inert reaction on changes in power output. Additionally, due to the change in price structures and higher fixed and operational costs for CCS power plants, it is harder for them to be economically efficient. This study will show different options to increase the flexibility of CCS power plants and evaluate their benefits. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.