Workforce
-
Commentary
Generating Employee Buy-In to Embrace Energy Innovation
The White House’s billion-dollar investment in transitioning to and expanding clean power grids is the latest reminder of the critical window for energy companies to capitalize on the opportunities to make
-
Workforce
25 Differences Between Private Sector and Government Managers
You often hear it said that government should be run more like a business. But a senior industry executive with cabinet-level experience in the Reagan and Bush II administrations explains why it’s not that simple.
-
Solar
Developing the Solar Power Workforce for the Gigawatt Era
The solar energy industry in the U.S. is at a critical juncture. With the ambitious target set by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) to have solar produce 30% of the country’s energy by 2030, a monumental effort is required. We must add 48 GW of solar capacity each year to meet this goal. Achieving […]
-
Nuclear
America’s Most Powerful Nuclear Reactor Makes a Landmark Revival
Entergy’s Grand Gulf 1—the largest single-unit nuclear power plant in the U.S.—has thrived for four decades by cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, achieving record-breaking performance
-
Full Coverage
Olkiluoto Unit 3 Provides Carbon-Free Nuclear Power and Energy Security for Finland
As a first-of-a-kind project, Olkiluoto Unit 3 took more time to build than was originally expected, but the end result has proven worth the wait. Calling it the “largest single climate action” in
-
O&M
How Asset Management Promotes Workplace Safety and Compliance
In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace safety and compliance, effective asset management has emerged as a powerful ally for managers and operators. This strategic approach not only ensures adherence to health and safety regulations but also fosters streamlined operations and cost savings. In a world where doing more with fewer resources is becoming the norm, […]
-
Commentary
AI Revolution Could Drive Clean Energy Future
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a ubiquitous part of our lives, impacting much of what we do at work and home. AI’s growth trajectory is expected to skyrocket, with new potentials identified to help address and solve today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. AI advances have been remarkable, but so far relatively little attention has been […]
-
Trends
Decommissioning Dilemmas: Navigating the End-of-Life Challenges in Clean Energy Sources
Planning, building, operating, or overhauling power plants has long been an emphasis in the power sector—and an important one, given that the creation of new power capacity plays an outsized role in
-
Engineering
Marnie Surfaceblow: Haunted Hydroelectric Horrors (Fiction)
Providing employees with a safe and healthy workplace is paramount. Never dismiss persistent workplace environmental complaints, no matter how “crazy” they may seem. A lone SUV motored through wooded hills
-
Workforce
Training Fossil Fuel Workers to Transition to Renewables Industry
Coal, oil, and natural gas have a long history as the world’s primary energy sources. Many communities have sprung up around mines and drilling sites, and generations of people have relied on hardworking laborers to brave the cold, darkness, or rough seas to keep the lights on at home. As the world transitions to renewable […]
-
Wind
The Future of Wind Energy Depends on Technicians and Technology
New global renewable energy deployments are set to increase by more than 440 GW by the end of 2023, the largest increase to date. To put that into perspective, a power plant with a capacity of 1 GW could power approximately 876,000 households. So, this increase is expected to provide the renewable energy equivalent of a plant […]
-
Commentary
It’s Time to Stop Hiring Climate Tech Talent in the Dark
Anyone who’s ever made hiring decisions knows the real danger of hiring the wrong person. By some estimates, an unsuitable employee can cost a company as much as $240,000, not to mention the collateral damage inflicted on company morale and reduced productivity and achievement. In a world where every decision impacts the bottom line and […]
-
History
How the ‘Great Resignation’ and Disengagement Are Affecting the Power Industry
The “Great Resignation” is a term used to describe a widespread trend that took shape over the past few years of employees voluntarily changing jobs in large numbers. The phenomenon gained traction during
-
Connected Plant
The Future of the Utilities Workforce: Building Capabilities in the Digital Era
The utility industry is facing a major challenge as it navigates the constantly evolving landscape of the electric grid. Managing the transformation brought about by the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, the rise of remote and hybrid work, and the growing reliance on renewable energy sources has become central to the industry. Operators must adapt […]
-
Energy Security
Estrella del Mar III, a Visionary Floating Power Plant, Is POWER’s Plant of the Year
Winning POWER’s highest honor is Estrella del Mar III, a first-of-its-kind floating combined cycle gas turbine power barge that fulfills a remarkable assortment of modern power system demands. Nearly fully
-
Wind
Ways to Address the Wind Power Technology Talent Gap
In the face of climate change and clean energy mandates, the demand for affordable, resilient and renewable wind energy is set to accelerate. While it took the global wind energy sector 40 years to reach one terawatt (TW) in installed capacity, expected by the end of this year, it will take just eight years to […]
-
Safety
Strategies for Operating Safely within Power Construction Zones
Temporary work zones are often required when constructing or rehabilitating power generation facilities and infrastructure. Safety is the essential factor in any industrial setting, and this is especially true when it comes to activities that disrupt normal operations. The introduction of vehicles, equipment, materials, and personnel to any environment can necessitate new strategies for keeping […]
-
Trends
Dynamic Innovation in Power Sector Digitalization
The power industry’s rapid adoption of digitalization is a striking example of its dynamic innovation—the continuous development and introduction of new ideas, products, or processes to meet shifting
-
Coal
A Long Time Coming: Rawhide Unit 1 Is Coal Users’ Group Plant of the Year
After years of upgrade and retrofit projects, and a keen focus on safety and continuous improvement, the Coal Users’ Group board of directors selected Platte River Power Authority’s Rawhide Unit 1 as the
-
Gas
Optimizing Combined Cycle Power Plant Operations
Cogentrix Energy and Siemens Energy have partnered to optimize 8000H-class gas turbine reliability and outage planning. Under Cogentrix’s management, the Patriot site successfully upgraded one of its
-
Renewables
Working with EPC Contractors: Guidance for Utilities Embarking on Solar Development
Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors deliver many benefits to power projects. Besides the experience they bring that can help keep schedules on track, they often have longstanding
-
Commentary
Celebrating Diversity Drives Results
The energy sector is facing unprecedented times as we see oil and gas companies expanding into renewables, as well as enhanced carbon capture for traditional fossil fuels. If there was ever a time we needed
-
Press Releases
American Welding Society Celebrates National Welding Month
The Month of April Spotlights Welding Industry Careers and Businesses Doral, FL, March 24, 2023: Welding careers play an integral role in keeping people safe and advancing the quality of life across the globe, yet participation in welding and other skilled trades continues to decrease. Since 1996, the American Welding Society has designated the month […]
-
Press Releases
S&C Electric Company Expanding U.S. Manufacturing Operations to Meet North American Demand for Its Grid Resiliency Technologies
CHICAGO, Illinois (March 21, 2023) – S&C Electric Company, a leader in smart and resilient electrical grid solutions, today announced the expansion of its U.S. manufacturing footprint with a 275,000-square-foot facility in Palatine, Illinois, approximately 25 miles from S&C’s 47-acre Chicago headquarters and manufacturing campus in Rogers Park. The company employs 3,500 team members globally […]
-
Press Releases
Ingersoll Rand® 2922 Series Pneumatic Impact Wrenches Combine Power, Durability, Savings
Available in ¾” and 1” models, the 2922 Series power 2,000 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque and 1,450 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque to easily take on tough jobs. Weighing in at just 12 lbs., these wrenches offer the best-in-class raw power and power-to-weight ratio at an unmatched value. The pressure feed lubrication ensures better distribution […]
-
Power
Help Wanted: Retirements and the Energy Transition Lead to Job Openings in the Power Industry
It seems like industry insiders have been lamenting the aging power workforce for decades. Yet, there is still a large percentage of workers in the current workforce that are retirement eligible—some studies suggest the percentage is as high as 40%. Meanwhile, the energy transition has created a large number of new jobs building and operating […]
-
Workforce
Power Industry Jobs Outlook and How to Find the Best Talent
The number of power plant operator jobs is shrinking, but paradoxically, the number of job openings in the field is growing. Managers have their hands full finding and retaining the people they need. In this
-
Engineering
Engineering the Next Generation
Improving processes and unlocking future innovations relies on new ideas. Many of the engineers of tomorrow who will deliver these breakthroughs are currently learning their craft at universities around the
-
Press Releases
Carhartt Empowers Women in the Skilled Trades with Call for Spring 2023 “For the Love of Labor” Grant Applications
Applications for bi-annual grant program are open through Feb. 17 as brand champions opportunities for the next generation of America’s diverse workforce Dearborn, Mich., Jan. 30, 2023 –The U.S. workforce has weathered major challenges in recent years, as the pandemic amplified the demand for skilled labor. Despite skilled labor shortages across myriad industries, women’s share […]
-
Coal
140 Workers Cut Permanently with Sammis Coal Plant Closure
Workers at the W.H. Sammis coal-fired power plant have been notified that a mass layoff will begin “sometime between March 14, 2023, and April 14, 2023.” The announcement was made public through a letter Energy Harbor Corp., owner of the plant, sent to the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, as required under the […]