In This Issue
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BusinessThe X Factor in the Power Market’s New Math
How power companies are using experience management, or XM, to reshape customer relationships and reveal new revenue opportunities Here was a company with one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S.—the owner of close to a dozen electricity distribution entities—and a strong desire to pursue new opportunities outside its traditional regulated business. Those […]
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NewsTHE BIG PICTURE: Renewable Portfolio Standards
As of August 2019, 29 U.S. states and the District of Columbia had renewable portfolio standards (RPSs), and eight others had non-binding renewable portfolio goals. Three states also had clean energy standards, which set targets for low-carbon non-renewables, like nuclear, and two had clean energy goals. Shown in the bars below are the shares of generation by source […]
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Instrumentation & ControlsHow to Ensure Plant Reliability and Regulatory Compliance
Lock in safe, reliable operations by opening the door to third-party expertise There’s still a big takeaway from a 2008 Florida blackout, and it’s not the size of the fine that followed. Although it was the largest penalty levied under the new reliability standards at that time, here’s the bigger elephant in the room: Florida […]
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NewsSmall Hydro Innovation Revitalizes Scotland’s Storr Lochs Plant
The refurbishment of Storr Lochs, a small hydropower plant built nearly 70 years ago at an isolated location in Scotland’s mountainous Isle of Skye, has given the project new life and purpose. The reason
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NewsSolar Plant Aims to be ‘Benchmark of Excellence’
The Veltoor facility in India has been honored for its cutting-edge technology, which helps maximize its energy production. The project also is notable for the developer’s commitment to communities near the
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HydrogenDecarbonizing the Power Sector with Renewable Gas
One way to help decarbonize the electric grid is through the use of renewable hydrogen, that is, hydrogen produced from renewable power resources. The process involves using excess wind and solar power during
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TechnologyFive Inspections Made Easier with Drone Technology
Today, drones equipped with sensors and cameras are proving their worth in gathering real-time footage that can be stored for later analysis. Uncrewed aerial systems can detect failing structures and equipment
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BusinessPublic vs. Private: What’s Best for Power Customers?
There are generally three types of electric power utility ownership structures: public power utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and investor-owned utilities (IOUs). The American Public Power Association
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CoalThe Theory and Application of Acoustic Cleaners
Sonic sootblowers and acoustic cleaners were once thought to be a last-chance alternative to difficult ash build-up problems. However, the technology has proven to be effective over years of service in
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NewsPOWER Digest—September 2019
Kenya Launches Africa’s Largest Wind Farm. Kenya in July began operating the 310-MW Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) facility, which the government said is Africa’s largest wind power farm. The LTWP project
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O&MCombustion Optimization to Improve Heat Rate and Lower NOx
Power plant operators are always looking for ways to boost performance. A combustion optimizer designed to improve efficiency and lower emissions could help. It supports more flexible operation of boilers by
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NewsNigeria Enlists Siemens to Help Shore Up Power Grid
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has an ambitious plan to rebuild the country’s power grid, as his government tries to jump-start the slow pace of growth in Africa’s largest economy. Buhari and Siemens
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NewsChanging Power Market Conditions Warrant Smart Boiler Services
There have been a lot of changes in how power plants do business. As financial pressure mounts and lean-staffing strategies are implemented, finding time to do all the work that needs to be done can be a
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NewsTurkey Banking on Geothermal Projects to Boost Domestic Generation
Geothermal power generation continues to increase in Turkey, as the country works toward a goal of at least 2 GW of installed capacity by the end of 2019, a rise of almost 50% since the end of 2018. Geothermal
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NewsHeavy Hauling: Moving 300-Ton Gas Engines from Europe to Michigan
Two new power plants in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) came online earlier this year, supplying power for customers of Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corp. (UMERC), a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group. WEC
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NewsEquipment Showcase: Pumps
Pumps and pumping systems have multiple applications in power plants, and are generally centrifugal and positive displacement pumps. Centrifugal pumps use an impeller to move fluid through the application
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NewsDeveloping an ‘Insurance Policy’ to Ensure Stability for Renewables-heavy Grids
Many countries are integrating renewable energy sources to their power grids. While this is a much-needed transition toward cleaner energy, grid operators and utility providers must be prepared to address
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NewsWhat Keeps Energy Leaders Up at Night? It’s More About Climate Change Than You May Think
This year, it seems hardly a week has gone by without a new report making us even more nervous about climate change. It’s as if the editorial theme for 2019 was: “It’s worse than you thought.” Maybe
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O&MShock Pulse Generators Help Clean Supercritical Power Plant Boilers
Economic power plant operation includes keeping maintenance costs under control, and operating the plant efficiently. Boiler surfaces need to be kept as clean as possible to increase heat transfer and decrease
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RenewablesA Renewable Benefit: Texas Extends Tax Abatement Program
Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed a bill into law this legislative session that extends the state’s Chapter 312 property tax abatement program until Sept. 1, 2029. The program was set to expire at the
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HydroSuccessful Dam Stabilization Project Improves Safety and Reliability
Hydropower is the oldest renewable energy source, but aging dams require periodic maintenance. A stabilization project that added high-capacity post-tensioned anchors and new concrete enhanced the Bagnell Dam
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SolarPV Peaker Plant a Model for Solar-Plus-Storage Projects
Pairing solar energy resources with batteries is a winning solution. It allows utilities to store excess power when the sun is shining but demand is low, and use it when the sun sets but demand is high. One
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NewsSolar Baseload in the Kalahari: Kathu Solar Park
A greenfield concentrated solar power (CSP) project with novel parabolic trough technology and a molten storage system has revitalized a remote region. But the project is also laudable for its social
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NewsRush to Renewables Brings Wind Power to Colorado’s Plains
The growth of wind power worldwide is literally transforming the energy landscape, with massive turbine blades providing a visual backdrop. Xcel Energy’s Rush Creek project, covering 95,000 acres in eastern