In This Issue
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Instrumentation & ControlsGuidance on Cybersecurity for the Electricity Sector
The cybersecurity needs of the electric power industry are unique, due to the critical nature of the product and the wide range of technologies that must be considered—from complex, modern industrial control systems to aging infrastructure elements.
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EnvironmentalParticulate Matter Air Quality Standards Continue to Evolve
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has regulated particulate matter as an air pollutant for more than 40 years. Over time, PM regulations and testing methodologies have become more complex, with the focus shifting to smaller particle size fractions and the inclusion of the condensable form of PM. New developments make navigating the permitting and compliance process efficiently more important than ever.
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SolarBoosting CSP Production with Thermal Energy Storage
Combining concentrating solar power (CSP) with thermal energy storage shows promise for increasing grid flexibility by providing firm system capacity with a high ramp rate and acceptable part-load operation. When backed by energy storage capability, CSP can supplement photovoltaics by adding generation from solar resources during periods of low solar insolation.
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GasUnconventional Gas: The Great Game-Changer
Dr. Daniel Yergin, chairman of IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates, is a Pulitzer Prize–winning author; leading authority on energy, international politics, and economics; and a recipient of the United States Energy Award for “lifelong achievements in energy and the promotion of international understanding.” He recently spoke with POWER about his latest book—and more.
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NewsSelf-Improvement Strategy
POWER marks its 130th year of service to the power generation industry with this issue. Instead of cake for the staff, we decided to celebrate the milestone in a way that will benefit our readers and supporters for many years to come.
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HistoryJapan Scrambles to Revamp Its Electricity Sector
The March 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami that destroyed a number of Japanese power plants—most notably, four nuclear units—hit quickly. Almost as speedy were calls to take all other nuclear units out of service for safety reviews. What will take much longer is developing a new, sustainable energy plan to fill the generation gap left by a potential total lack of nuclear power.
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GasTHE BIG PICTURE: A Shale Gas Revolution
Large circles represent technical reserves and small (blue) circles represent potential reserves of shale gas, both in trillion cubic feet. Bars on the right represent each region’s existing natural gas–fired generation in 2008 (yellow) and the amount projected for 2035 (blue) in TWh. OECD = Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Data source: Energy Information […]
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BusinessGoing the Distance: Online Courses for Power Industry Professionals
Online learning is opening up new opportunities for those unable to attend classes on campuses. Bismarck State College and the University of North Dakota, for example, offer innovative online courses and degree programs to students who want successful careers in the electric power industry.
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GasEurope Dallies with Shale Gas Exploration
Massive offshore shale gas reserves exceeding 1,000 trillion cubic feet (tcf) discovered in the UK in April could catapult that country to the top ranks of global producers.
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O&MStartup Purge Credit Benefits Combined Cycle Operations
Combined cycle power plants use fuels and other materials that can cause fires or explosions in the combustion turbine, ducting, or heat recovery steam generator. Purging that equipment with ambient air to displace residual combustible gases before starting is a normal safety practice. But when plants are cycled, the disadvantages of purging often outweigh the advantages.