The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of incorporating a Humid Air Turbine (HAT) into a coal-based, indirectly fired High Performance Power System (HWPS). The HIPPS/HAT power plant exhibits a one percentage point greater thermal efficiency than the combined-cycle HIPPS plant. The capital costs for the HIPPS and HIPPS/HAT plants with identical net power output are nearly equivalent at S1380/kW. Levelized cost of electricity (COE) for the same size plants is 5.3 cents/kWh for the

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... HEN'S plant and 5.4 cents/kWh for the HIPPS/HAT plant; the HSPPS/HAT plant improved thermal efficiency is offset by the higher fuel cost associated with a lower coal/natural gas fuel ratio. However, improved environmental performance is associated with the HIPPS/HAT cycle, as evidenced by lower CO 2, SO2 , and Ng emissions. Considering the uncertainties associated with the performance and cost estimates of the yet unbuilt components, the HIPPS/HAT and HIPPS power plants are presently considered to be comparable alternatives for future power generation technologies. The Department of Energy's Combustion 2000 Program will provide revised design specifications and more accurate costs for these components allowing more definitive assessments to be performed.