This thesis conducts an in-depth analysis of the Unit Commitment and Economic Dispatch (UCED) problem within Hong Kong Island's energy landscape, particularly in the context of high Nuclear Import Penetration anticipated by 2035. The primary aim is to examine the potential for substantial increases in nuclear imports from mainland China as a key strategy for achieving the region's ambitious net-zero goal.

The study encompasses a series of hypothetical cases, each distinguished by varying gas generation levels, wind farm integration, steady and multi-tiered nuclear imports, and the incorporation of storage system. Detailed operational parameters of gas units are considered, including minimum up and down times, start-up and heat rate curves, spinning reserves, generator capacities, and mi...[ Read more ]

This thesis conducts an in-depth analysis of the Unit Commitment and Economic Dispatch (UCED) problem within Hong Kong Island's energy landscape, particularly in the context of high Nuclear Import Penetration anticipated by 2035. The primary aim is to examine the potential for substantial increases in nuclear imports from mainland China as a key strategy for achieving the region's ambitious net-zero goal.

The study encompasses a series of hypothetical cases, each distinguished by varying gas generation levels, wind farm integration, steady and multi-tiered nuclear imports, and the incorporation of storage system. Detailed operational parameters of gas units are considered, including minimum up and down times, start-up and heat rate curves, spinning reserves, generator capacities, and minimum stable levels. By employing the PLEXOS tool with CPLEX as the solver, five distinct models have been developed.

The research aims to illuminate the consequences of applying the UCED approach while incorporating high net-zero energy sources, such as wind power, into future energy portfolios. The goal is to discern the most efficient pattern of nuclear imports across a multitude of case studies intended for 2035 and the associated number of gas units required, in order to evaluate the feasibility of the government's aim to import 60% of energy requirements. Ultimately, this research aims to provide insights into the impacts of substantial nuclear imports on the entire gas generation operating regime, under different scenarios. This understanding is key to Hong Kong's transition towards a more sustainable energy composition.