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Asian countries are likely to experience inadequate energy and financial resources by the year 2020 in addressing the increasing demand for energy in the region. Consumption of oil, natural gas and electricity are also anticipated to increase.

License renewal and decommissioning are currently the two hottest issues in the nuclear power industry. The debate over which is the better alternative clouded by other issues such as waste disposal, economics of power generation and decomissioning funds.

The amount of electricity produced by utility boilers will likely increase past the more than 50% currently generated once electric companies make changes to make them more effective. Steps taken by several companies to improve boiler reliability are described.

Repowering enables electric utilities to continue the operation of older power plants. The repowering methods fossil-fueled steam/electric power plants find most cost-effective and well-operated are discussed in great detail.

Electric utilities have taken various measures to comply with Phase 1 requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. Utilities that installed scrubbers to meet requirements included the Allegheny Power System and the Ohio Power Co.

Power plant operations and maintenance require innovative engineering and common sense, as case studies of Florida Power & Light, Virginia Electric & Power, and Northern States Power demonstrate.

Gas-turbine comined-cycle power plants offer many advantages. Gas turbines make excellent peaking units, while steam/electric turbines can be added to convert them to main units. Nearly 13,500 MW of combined-cycle capacity will be on-line in 2002.

SO2-allowance sales prompted by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 have proven successful. Utilities must choose between scrubbers and fuel switching to reduce SO2 emissions. NOx control remains an issue.

Boston Edison reduced the emission of pollutants at its New Boston station by converting the facility to natural gas. Boilers were converted to balanced-draft mode of operations, and low nitrous oxide burners were installed.

The South Carolina Public Service Authority upgraded one of its coal-fired substations to enhance the reliability and boost the output of the plant. The replacement of four rows of last-stage turbine rotor blades increased the output of the turbine by 2%.

PSE&G developed environmentally safe techniques to repower its generating facilities in an effort to meet emissions and environmental regulations. Management of the project is described.

The newest information on electric-utility plants that are planned or under construction is provided from an annual utility survey. The survey results are reported according to size, region and projected peak summer generating capacity.

Southern California Edison installed various pieces of pollution control equipment to meet stringent regulations for nitrous oxide emissions. The strategy to replace certain pieces, their cost-effectiveness and usefulness are described.

Public concerns about the environmental and health hazards of nuclear energy have led electric utilities to develop plant designs and equipment that are safer. Ways to close or extend the life of existing plants are discussed.

An informal survey of utilities reveals that there is no consensus about what type of technology and fuel the powerplant of the future will use. Factors that will affect the design of future powerplants include financing and such socioeconomic issues as ecology and job creation.

Texas Utilities Electric Co. is using its 'Team Plus' concept to complete the construction of Comanche Peak Unit 2 powerplant; which means using five contractors in a single project. The team is finding creative ways to achieve high quality and safety standards.

Metropolitan Edison Co. evaluated its control systems and alarm signals because of increase in maintenance costs. A complete overhaul conducted by team effort provided a renewed system as well as a learning experience and access to more information.

American Electric Power Co is reevaluating operations at its 17 hydroelectric power facilities to increase power output, maximize efficiency, and perform cost-effective maintenance. Effects of the improvements are discussed.

The Dept of Energy's Clean Coal Technology Demonstration Program was created to develop environmentally safe coal technologies. Techniques for precombustion cleaning, combustion, post-combustion, and advanced coal-conversion processes that reduce acid rain and other environmental side effects are described.

Allegheny Power Systems Inc. is complying with clean air regulations by installing scrubbers on its Harrison powerplant. The project involves engineering, construction and operations. Continuous emissions monitoring will prove the success of the technology.

Utility Data Institute Inc. reports information on electric utility stations in the North American Electric Reliability Council regions currently under construction, or in planning stages. The report includes projected regional peak generating capabilities.

Appalachian Power Co's Mountaineer coal-fired unit has consistently maintained above-average performance. This is attributed to the design and equipment selection process, quality fuel, and dedicated personnel.

The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 require electric utilities to reduce sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions. Equipment options for compliance include spray-dryer flue-gas desulphurization systems.

The customer service departments of many electric utilities have decided to adopt a more aggressive approach to retain and attract energy users. Utilities are optimistic that these departments will help them strengthen their hold of the electric power market via innovative and expanded services.

CellNet Data Systems Inc. has installed a wireless automatic meter reading for Kansas City Power and Light Co. The advanced equipment is an free investment for the utility, since CellNet will maintain the system for less than $1 meter month.

A consortium has proposed the construction of a private, $6.25-billion, 2700-MW nuclear power plant in South California to reduce the US' plutonium stockpile. The joint venture, however, must first gain approval as an exempt wholesale generator before it can begin to scout around for funds.

Recent improvements in computer aided design (CAD) systems, such as the ability to view CAD plans in three dimensions, allow electric power plant designers to create plans for efficient plants at reduced costs. The ways in which CAD systems are used to create cost-effect designs are examined.

Virginia Electric and Power Co repaired its nuclear power plant safely, quickly and frugally. It took a them record-breaking 51 days to close the reactor, replace the steam generators and restore operations. This was done through careful, detailed and intelligent planning.

A powerplant in Moscow, OH, that was the first in the US to convert from nuclear to coal power maintains record power production through good management. Owned by three utilities, the plant has thoroughly trained personnel, well-planned design and high performance standards.

Electric utility line crews need the proper clothing and equipment to ensure their safety. A 12-in wrench, side cutting and adjustable pliers, a skinning knife and a belted tool pouch are all necessary equipment. Trucks should be well-equipped to enhance safety.