In This Issue
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NewsNatural Gas a Powerful Force, Despite Industry Headwinds
Gas prices remain low worldwide, and the challenge for producers is to find a market for their supply. Gas remains the No. 1 source of U.S. power generation, and will continue in that spot for several more
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NuclearTHE BIG PICTURE (Infographic): U.S. Nuclear Lifetimes
The U.S. has 96 licensed-to-operate nuclear power reactors and two reactors under construction. But the average age of the nation’s 96 licensed nuclear units is about 39 years old. That has been of some concern to the nuclear industry, which has provided roughly a fifth of the nation’s power since the 1990s. About 88 of […]
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CommentaryPURPA Modernization Promises Sweeping Changes for Utilities
More than 40 years ago, small power production facilities were germinated, fertilized, and have continued to blossom under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), a federal law passed in 1978 as a
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NewsElectrification: Too Much of a Good Thing?
Electrification has been a much-touted driver for the global energy transition toward decarbonization. But though an all-electric future could have vast implications for the power and gas sectors, achieving it
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NuclearThe Quest for Next-Generation Nuclear Fuels
In Part 1 of this series, published in the March 2020 issue, POWER explored how existing reactors may leverage advances in nuclear fuel to boost power generation safety and economics. This installment surveys
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NewsBattery Storage: Perils and Promise
Lithium-ion battery technology promises the first realistic approach to fully integrating intermittent solar and wind into the U.S. power system. Despite its recent growth and great potential, the battery
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HydroHydropower: Meeting Growing Needs with Improved Reliability and Efficiency
Hydropower delivers a range of benefits to society and the environment. However, there are two major challenges that face hydroelectric power plant operators—efficient use of water and high availability. To
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O&MPower Plant Cycles with Multiple Direct Contact Heaters
The regenerative feedwater cycle of modern fossil and nuclear power plants normally includes four or five low-pressure, closed (tube surface-type) feedwater heaters (CFWHs). However, maximum efficiency can be
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SafetyLinemen Safety Best Practices and Apparel Selection
When a storm hits or the worst of weather conditions blow through, you’re there. The community of linemen is like no other because when the power goes out, you get to work. How do linemen remain prepared to
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O&MELECTRIC POWER Conference Postponed
The world has become a very different place over the past few months with the outbreak of a new coronavirus—COVID-19. The virus has forced travel bans and literal lockdowns in several countries. The NCAA and
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FuelConveyor Energy Storage: A Battery and Pumped Hydro Alternative
A new conveyor-based system offers an alternative energy storage technology. The heart of the system is a reversible conveyor belt that converts between electrical energy and gravitational potential energy by
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Ocean/MarineSubsea Kite Technology Makes a Big Splash for Marine Power
At first view, marine energy developer Minesto’s novel underwater “kite” technology may be easily dismissed as a fanciful concept, one of dozens introduced over the last decade to reap the immense ocean
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Instrumentation & ControlsInstrumentation Fittings for Power Plants
A lot must be reviewed prior to selecting the right fitting for power plant instrumentation applications. Among the choices are whether to use single- or double-ferrule designs; heat codes, lubrication, and
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NewsShift to Gas, Financing Issues Could Delay Polish Power Plant Project
Officials in Poland have said changing the fuel source of a planned 1-GW power plant in Ostroleka, known as Ostroleka C, from coal to natural gas could delay the project, which already faces several financial
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O&MUnderstanding Diesel Fuel Storage Requirements
Liquid fuel storage requirements are based on fuel type, usage, and whether the fuel is “combustible” or “flammable” as assessed by the fuel flash point. This article presents information on applicable
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NewsNew Wind Farm Brings More Power to Senegal
Senegal is among the African nations trying to increase access to electricity for its population. U.S. officials estimate about 35% of the country’s 16 million people do not have access to power. The
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NewsShow Preview – Electric Power
POWER magazine was scheduled to host the 22nd annual ELECTRIC POWER Conference & Exhibition April 14–17, 2020, at the Colorado Convention Center (Figure 1) in Denver, Colorado. However, out of concern
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NewsPOWER Digest [April 2020]
Group Readies Hydrogen Production Plant in Japan. A consortium including Toshiba, Tohoku Electric Power, and Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) in March said it has
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NewsWhy We Need More Public Investment in Energy Storage Technology
When three scientists won the Nobel Peace Prize last year for their work on lithium-ion batteries, The New York Times was one of many outlets that drew the connection between improved energy storage and the
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SafetyNew Lockout-Tagout Program Improves Safety
As one of the U.S.’s premier energy companies, Southern Company is committed to providing a safe work environment for employees. It regularly implements best-in-class safety procedures to ensure compliance
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NewsEPRI Training Courses Support Nuclear Plant Operations
The Turkey Point nuclear generating facility in Florida in December 2019 became the first U.S. nuclear plant to receive authorization from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to extend its operating life from 60
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HydroWater-Lubricated Bearings Offer Benefits for Hydropower Plants
Significant operating and economic benefits can be realized by replacing a poorly functioning or damaged oil-lubricated turbine guide bearing with a water-lubricated design (Figure 4), as part of a