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The article offers information on how net-zero goals require decarbonization across the value chain. Topics include information on how removing of the global economy's reliance on carbon is incredibly complex; importance of addressing the problem at every stage of the industrial value chain; and how combination of approaches applied across the value chain will help industries.

The article focuses on maintenance equipment and tools used by plant operators. Topics include mentioning the use of physical as well as digital tools, enlisting the physical tools used power plants such as cylinders, pumps, and hydraulics, and using computerized maintenance management systems in determining the ways and duration of performing a task such as Proteus MMX from Eagle Technology Inc.

The article discusses the technical and economic aspect of district heating systems utilizing nuclear power as their energy source. It mentions the design of the heating system done to maximize electric power production, gives various approaches for its development, and challenges faced in its implementation.

The article discusses job growth in energy sector. Topics include various companies providing workforce development training program to help in keeping staff updated with new technologies, educating and recruiting young professionals, and need for greater workforce in Solar energy and energy efficiency field.

The article focuses on challenges and solutions for improving power networks, addressing the cause of blackouts such as when demand exceeds the supply which leads to drop in frequency of the network, and mentions solutions to overcome blackouts such as smart power grids.

The article offers information on ensuring power grid health through a better asset management. Topics include information on how power sector has been evolving for years and technology has been instrumental in the change; how asset performance management and predictive maintenance tools can help power companies; and how to extend the lifespan of equipment, reduce operational costs, and improve safety.

The article offers information on development of a digital twin for the Atikokan Station, Ontario. Topics include information on how a digital twin is designed for the Atikokan biomass power plant which uses science-based Bayesian machine learning methods; how operation at low loads results in a number of challenges; and how the station has worked to optimize burner performance, limiting the need for auxiliary fuel support.

The article offers information on how Federal Energy Regulatory Commission can have a positive impact on grid reliability. Topics include information on wholesale electric and natural gas markets; actions by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) directly impact the U.S. economy; and the brazen ransom ware attack on Colonial Pipeline.

The article reports about the U.S. coal fleet declining due to economic forces, resulting from the low price of natural gas and higher costs of compliance with various environmental regulations for coat generators. Topics include the U.S. power industry increasing its capacity while demand for electricity has been stagnant; and how in some regions of the U.S., wind and solar energy generation are not as technically or economically viable as in other areas.

When the blades of individual Kaplan turbines are not continuously adjusted to achieve peak efficiency, the result is non-optimal performance and unnecessarily high mortality of downstream migrating fish. However, a new best-science method of index testing is available, which simultaneously improves fish passage of downstream migrants, increases service life of existing turbine-generating equipment, improves power generation, and increases revenue from power operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the oldest energy efficiency ideas—combined heat and power—is prospering in the U.S. and looks promising elsewhere as the world searches for low-cost energy by increasing efficiency while lowering carbon dioxide emissions. INSET: Bringing CHP Experience to Congress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear power provides carbon-free electricity for a warming world. But is its use still practical, can it still be economic, is its promise still achievable, and is nuclear a key to combating climate change? So far, nuclear power has fallen short of those goals. Looking at advanced nuclear technologies, it's not certain that will change. INSET: The Advanced Nuclear Playlist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many combined cycle power plants have established a pH guideline between 9.6 and 10.0 to minimize corrosion in heat recovery steam generators and condensers. Neutralizing amines are used to achieve these pH targets. This article examines amine selection, the pros and cons of ammonia-only versus organic blends, the final fate of organic amines, and the quandary of feeding neutralizing amines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A myriad of issues come into play when parties execute power industry mergers and acquisitions. Part 2 of this two-part series looks at the issues involved with acquisition agreements, and some of the more highly negotiated provisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the conduction of research with regard to generating electric power from nuclear fusion reactions. Topics discussed include the fusion research and development program conducted by the agency Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), headlines regarding nuclear fusion and application of magnetic fields and lasers in such reactions. Details on the origin of the nuclear fusion concept and its future are presented.

The article focuses on increasing schemes in Europe regarding the use of marginally profitable gas-fired power plants to generate heat for cities. It refers to Lausward Power Plant's Fortuna Unit that achieves about 85% efficiency when operated in cogeneration mode. It highlights the European Union's effort to develop new combined heat and power (CHP) plants.

The article focuses on a report by the Geothermal Resources Council, which states that Kenya ranks eighth in the world in geothermal energy production and is poised to add more geothermal-sourced power to its grid in the next few years. It refers to the state-run Kenya Electricity Generating Co.'s announcement of its addition of 1,745 MW of geothermal generation by 2025. It refers to the Kenyan government's new energy policy to eliminate fossil fuel-powered generation.

The article highlights the evolution of gas turbines, as of January 2018. It discusses how power producers have increasingly turned to natural gas as their fuel of choice, knowing generators want reliability and availability along with reductions in carbon emissions. It also mentions the turbine manufacturers' plans to invest in research and development (R&D) to speed the process of new product cycles.

The article discusses how merchant markets for independent power producers in the U.S. are unfavorable, and many companies in the sector have slumping profits, as of January 2018. It discusses the views of Mauricio Gutierrez, chief of NRG Energy on the issue. It also discusses the views of John Shelk, head of the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA), on the issue.

In this article some women associated with the energy industry discuss gender disparity in the energy industry. According to the Department of Energy, less than a quarter of U.S. workers in the electric power generation field are women, compared to an average of 46.8% in the national workforce. According to Dame Fiona Woolf, energy lawyer with CMS Cameron McKenna, corporations often view onsite childcare or even lactation rooms as a big expensive perk.

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator's (MISO's) geographic footprint extends down the middle of the U.S. Because of the structure of its market, MISO has artfully avoided some nasty policy and economic issues that characterize its neighbors in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. However, MISO still faces many of the same market forces that are transforming the electric generation and distribution business across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses what communities seeking the community choice aggregation (CCA), an energy supply model, mean for the future of traditional power utilities in the U.S. CCA puts the local government in charge of choosing electricity sources on behalf of their residents. CCAs could deliver energy efficiency programs to residents at a low cost.

The article reports on the balancing electricity supply and demand by using grid-connected batteries. Energy storage using grid-connected electrochemical battery systems can enable widespread integration of renewables, unlock grid flexibility and improve grid reliability. Battery storage is now clearly an established market in the U.S. INSET: A Gigafactory Race.

The article offers information on the wind power turbine repowering. Topics discussed include use of wind turbine to convert wind energy into electricity, dismantling and replacement of turbine equipment, retrofitting modern control systems to improve reliability power plants. It discusses de-carbonization of electricity supply by European policy.

Comparing the costs of differing electric generating technologies has become popular among advocates for particular technologies and those seeking to find the optimal approach to new generation. While getting attention in policy-making circles, it turns out to be far from simple. INSET: Jacobson v. Clack: the 100% Solution?. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroelectric power doesn't get much attention in today's discussions of how to generate electricity, particularly in a world looking to boost renewable technologies such as wind and solar. But the oldest form of electricity generation—the original renewable—has plenty of life. INSET: Hydro Turbine Technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercial nuclear power sector has evolved with great help from the military-industrial complex. Research and development funded for the purpose of national defense has resulted in advances directly applicable to the power industry. For molten salt reactor designs to succeed, political support and military dollars may again be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on novel floating power plants, which have been used widely as a source of flexible, decentralized power generation for several reasons, such as its cost-effective and rapid and can be relocated or traded. Information about the installation of more than 75 floating power plants or vessel-mounted power plant fleets, which have relied on diesel, gas, or dual-fuel engines that can run various types of liquid and gaseous fuels, is presented.

The article offers a look on how American energy usage has shifted dramatically over the past decade, by comparing the energy usage flow charts of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) from 2011 and 2021.

Düsseldorf's new "Block Fortuna" at the Lausward Power Plant, owned by municipal utility Stadtwerke Düsseldorf, is setting records and giving Germany's coal-fired power plants some much-needed competition for backing up the nation's large percentage of variable renewable power. INSET: Never-ending Competition for Greater Efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant on Lake Michigan, owned by Consumers Energy Co. and the DTE Energy Co. and in operation since 1973. The plant was the largest of its kind when built and consisted of six 312-MW units. Steven B. Beachum, senior project manager at the Ludington plant, says that the use reversible pump-turbines to move water uphill 363 feet into the plant's 27 billion gallon reservoir.

The article offers news briefs related to the energy industry. The 100-kW ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) facility at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) began operation in August 2015 in Hawaii. South Africa put online Unit 6 of Eskom's long-delayed 4.8-GW Medupi power plant on August 30, 2015. Iberdrola subsidiary Scot-tishPower Renewables and Vattenfall is set to end their cooperation in developing up to 7.2 GW of offshore wind in the East Anglia Zone.

Various schemes are underway in Europe as nations use existing coal-fired power plants to generate electricity without coal as the feedstock. With rising carbon prices, some big utilities are repowering with sustainable biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building power plants is only the first step to generating success. Running plants efficiently, and consistently improving efficiency as they run, is the path to putting profits on the bottom line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the increasing popularity of reciprocating engines that offer the highly flexible and low-maintenance, quick-starting and fast-ramping units for renewable industry projects. It highlights the use of the engines for powering marine vehicles and as a lower-emission power source. Comment of Paul Paxson, a senior manager for generation, operations and maintenance for ICF International Inc. regarding reciprocating engine technologies is also given.

The article focuses on reopening of Unit 1, a 1975-built General Electric (GE) Co. boiling water reactor rated at 924 MW and outfitted with first-of-their-kind accident tolerant fuel (ATF) test assemblies in March 2018 following a planned outage near Baxley in southeastern Georgia. Comment of Southern Nuclear Operating Co.'s Nuclear Fuel Director John Williams, regarding the advantages offered by the ATF technologies is also given.

The article discusses the overhaul effort of the nuclear firm Areva SA, wherein the company has split its operational business units and rebranded them to return to competitiveness following record losses. It examines the lack of entrepreneurial influence within the partnership activities of the company with nuclear power industries. It also cites the creation of NewCo. which focus on the nuclear cycle equipments and services.

The article reports on the preparedness of Russia to start up its two nuclear reactors following the completion of the completions of the fourth unit of Rostov nuclear power plant (NPP) of nuclear engineering and construction firm Rosatom to first criticality and the fuel loading at the first unit of Leningrad plant. Information is given on the developments in the criticality program at Rostov 4, the global business operation of Rosatom, and other nuclear plant constructions in Russia.

The article offers information on the improvement and protection of the turbine water induction protection (TWIP) system. Topics discussed include TWIP requirements when steam plant equipment malfunction occur, requirements for TWIP process and application, and the TDP-1 "Prevention of Water Damage to Steam Turbines Used for Electric Power Generation: Fossil-Fuel Plants" standard from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Multiple disparate trends could forcefully reshape power systems around the world. As electricity markets transform, technologies advance, industries converge, consumption patterns change, environmental concerns increase, and "prosumers" emerge, power companies must innovate and evolve to deal with the disruptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the India's efforts to transform its still-developing energy system into one built on a foundation of sustainability, as of January 2018. Topics discussed include the nation's plans in the solar industry; increase the need for building supplies like steel and cement, the production of which require a great deal of energy; and coal use for electricity generation in India.

The article examines use of drones in the power sector by energy industries. It discusses the work of several energy companies to integrate the Internet of Things, robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics, the uptake of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with markedly faster and widespread.

J-seals are an integral part of efficient steam turbine operation. The failure of a J-seal can cause significant damage to the turbine rotor as material migrates downstream. For that reason, plant staff should be aware of the type of sealing technology installed in their equipment and understand how best to conduct inspections of their steam path systems to identify potential problems during regularly scheduled outages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the challenges facing before Nevada's sole investor-owned utility, NV Energy Inc. Legendary investor Warren Buffett bought NV Energy at the end of 2013 for 5.6 billion dollars, which was seen by many as a green power move. He wanted to participate in the structural transition taking place in the power and energy industry.

The article reports on improving fuel flexibility at coal power plants to cut generating costs and increase reliability. It is said that fuel flexibility will also become a matter of survival in the uncertain regulatory and economic future of electric power generation. Coal power plants will either have to exist in a niche market or adapt and evolve as they have faced pressures that very few of them were designed to withstand.

The article reports on the challenges in generating power from landfills in the U.S. It is said that generating power from landfill gas hasn't gained traction for a variety of reasons despite its apparent environmental benefits and strong government support. For the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the only clean thing about landfills is the power generated from the methane that municipal solid waste (MSW) emits.

The article focuses on the development related to the energy industry in Turkey. It is noted that the dual challenge of containing little known hydrocarbon resources and possessing one of the world's most rapidly growing energy markets is facing the country. It is stated that through the creation of Turkey's Energy Market Law, the modern structure of Turkey's energy market was first formally established in 2001.

The article reports that generating fleet is being transitioned by Duke Energy Corp., the largest electric utility in the U.S. in terms of market value. It is noted that a major retreat for Duke's role in wholesale competition has been marked by sale of the North Carolina-based utility giant's merchant plants, which bid power into the markets of PJM Interconnection LLC and Midcontinent Independent System Operator.

The article focuses on the results of 2015 survey on women's participation in the power industry, which found that 65.4% work for a power generation company while 26.9% work for a Technical company supporting or interfacing with power generators. It is mentioned that 60% of people responded that no more than 10% were female at their workplace.

The article discusses issues related to enhancing shared renewable energy arrangements with special reference to community solar energy use. Topics discussed include shared renewables project pools investments which help several energy customers to share the benefits of one local renewable energy power plant, flexible financing options for community solar projects and initiatives taken by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help communities develop multi-year solar deployment plans.