The New Economy

Revolutionary Power: GE Energy’s plan to change the future

Posted on 12/13/2011 by

Produced in Belfort, France, the FlexEfficiency 50 natural gas plant is the first combined cycle plant capable of quickly delivering 510mw – the equivalent energy consumption of more than 500,000 European homes – in a start∞up time of less than 30 minutes, while offering fuel efficiency greater than 61 percent. This breakthrough, flexible technology stabilises the grid during times of reduced energy supply from renewables, and can therefore help to further increase the share of renewables in national power grids.

The most recent international energy projections indicate a long-term rise in global energy demand, which means there is an urgent pressure to modernise existing electricity grids worldwide to cope with the growing share of renewable energy. The grid infrastructure in most EU countries evolved over time to include a balanced distribution of power generation sources and a predictable allocation of main consumers. The rapid addition of renewable generation is likely to lead to an imbalanced situation in some countries due to the intermittent nature of these power sources. GE has found one answer to the question of how to integrate them in a way that ensures steady energy supply.

Balancing the grid, efficiently
This challenge is reinforced by the EU’s targets for 2020, which are putting considerable strain on Europe’s ageing energy grid. EU policy states that renewable energy must contribute 20 percent to our total energy consumption, that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 20 percent and that energy efficiency gains of 20 percent are expected by 2020. Energy efficiency has proven to be the most hotly debated of the three, with the EU still unsure whether to make the targets binding, as is the case with the other targets.

Ricardo Cordoba, GE Energy president for north Africa, Turkey and Pakistan feels that an answer to efficient energy isn’t far away. “At GE, we believe the solution to meeting the efficiency goal of reducing the energy consumption by 20 percent can be found not only on the consumption side, but also by generating energy much more efficiently at the power plant level, the supply side. GE Energy delivers a quarter of the world’s electricity and we have a very clear overview of where efficiency gains can be achieved. Currently, the potential supply side gains, what we call efficient energy, are underdeveloped.”

GE Energy was also the driving force behind the creation of EME² (www.EME2.eu), a European movement of various energy actors to promote the benefits of increased supply side efficiency.

Flexible efficiency
GE’s new FlexEfficiency 50 plant, as part of its wider portfolio of ‘FlexEfficiency’ power generation solutions, offers efficiency and flexibility at the same time. The latest innovation in GE’s combined cycle technology, the plant can start up within minutes when the wind is not blowing and the sun is not shining and can be subsequently turned down when renewable energy is available, meeting power plant operators’ needs for greater operational flexibility.

An energy solution particularly suited for Europe, the plant’s beating heart is also produced in∞house: the 9FB gas turbine, developed using GE’s expertise within the Aerospace industry. The turbine will be manufactured at GE Energy’s European Centre of Excellence for gas turbines in Belfort, France. New turbines will also be tested here: the first foundations for a dedicated test ramp were laid in December last year.
Europe’s energy mix has changed dramatically over the past decade, impacting heavily on plant operations; therefore it was important to recognise the need for a power plant that could deliver the required combination of flexibility and efficiency. Paul Browning, president and CEO Thermal Products for GE Energy, feels that the company now has the lie of the current needs of the power sector: “As our customers seek to increase their use of renewable energy, the challenge of grid stability sharpens. They are under added pressure to achieve higher levels of efficiency and lower emissions for natural gas power plants. The FlexEfficiency 50 plant creates an immense growth opportunity in a new segment for our gas turbine technology and is in lock-step with our commitment to build a cleaner energy future.”

The world’s first truly hybrid plant
GE’s FlexEfficiency approach, although just recently introduced to customers worldwide, has already been selected for use in an innovative power plant project being developed in Turkey by MetCap Energy Investments, a Turkish project developer. The world’s first ‘Integrated Renewables Combined Cycle Power Plant’ (IRCC), located near Karaman in Turkey, takes the FlexEfficiency concept to the next level, including concentrated solar power technology and wind power, turning it into a truly hybrid concept for the future. It can achieve up to over 70 percent efficiency at ‘gas turbine world’ conditions.

Engineers at the plant will be able to seamlessly integrate natural gas, solar thermal power and wind in one single plant, supplying the grid steadily with power by balancing out intermittent production at the plant level. This is made possible through the flexible operation of GE’s next-generation 50Hz 9FB Gas Turbine; a steam turbine, a generator, 22mw of GE wind turbines and 50mw of eSolar concentrated solar thermal tower technology. Rated at 530mw and capable of supplying energy to more than 600,000 homes, the integrated plant is expected to come on line in 2015.

Dr. Celal Metin, chairman of MetCap Energy Investments, confirms GE’s FlexEfficiency approach: “Our projects must simultaneously meet the need for increased energy, environmental responsibility and economic growth, while preserving precious water resources. We evaluated GE’s FlexEfficiency technology with other state-of-the-art alternatives and selected it because it is best aligned with our vision for the future. In addition, to record-setting fuel efficiency, this power plant will have zero liquid discharge, low emissions and a rapid-response, 28 minute start capability.”

The 20-20-20 strategy
The FlexEfficiency 50 plant directly addresses and supports the EU’s 20-20-20 commitment, and it does so with economics in mind, offering lower cost power generation. One FlexEfficiency 50 plant will help avoid around 12,700 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, which is the equivalent of the emissions of more than 6,000 cars on EU roads. Fuel savings of 6,400,000 m3 of natural gas can also be achieved, corresponding to the annual natural gas consumption of over 4,000 EU homes. Much of today’s power generation technology is serving yesterday’s grid.

By responding to and balancing power from renewable sources and efficiently using fuel, this plant can help transform the energy industry by accelerating a wider adoption of renewables and by enhancing the value of cleaner burning natural gas, delivering today’s energy needs and those of the future.

Ray of light: Qatari Solar technology

Posted on 12/13/2011 by

In the fight against global warming, solar technology is undeniably one of the most important components for the future. A promising new company within this vital field of sustainability is Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) – a budding force that is set to give the energy market a green makeover by way of offering polysilicon products for renewable energy and other green agendas. Founded in 2010, the integrated company is a joint venture between three key organisations in the country: Qatar Foundation, SolarWorld and Qatar Development Bank. “The company was established as a means for Qatar to participate in the global drive to protect the environment,” says Dr Khalid Klefeekh Al Hajri, the company’s enthused board member and CEO.

“Qatar is booming, it has a strong national vision for the future and QSTec forms an important part of that vision. We will focus on quality and set a new standard of excellence for solar products and technologies that are suitable for the Middle East’s climatic conditions and the needs of the global solar energy market.”

QSTec will provide an array of benefits to Qatar on many levels. Not only will the venture create jobs for several hundred people in a string of different fields, it will also help diversify Qatar’s economy and open up new opportunities for entrepreneurs, while spurring on the nation’s research and development sector.

Polysilicon and its specifics
Set to be one of the first polysilicon plants in operation in the region, the conception of a new production facility will mark the first step of QSTec’s promising journey. Spreading across an area of 1.2 million sq m, the plant is located 80km north of Doha in the modern hub that is the Ras Laffan Industrial City. In terms of technical practicalities, the leading German solar energy company, Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG, has been selected to provide the process technology and key equipment necessary to produce polysilicon, the material that helps harness solar power.

During the initial stages of development, the plan was to produce 4,000 tonnes per annum, but that figure has long been surpassed. “After careful consideration and in∞depth evaluation, we established that the demand for quality polysilicon is globally very high, and there is also an increasing demand from the MENA region. In reaction to this discovery, we doubled our initial plans and plan to produce 8,000 tonnes of polysilicon per year, and will look to expand along the value chain ultimately producing solar modules here in Qatar” says Dr. Khalid Al Hajri.

The plant is scheduled to begin operations during the second half of 2013 and has also been designed with future expansion in mind so as to allow for significant production increase. “Our main agenda is to provide our clients with a quality product and flawless service. But, while maintaining high standards, we’re also looking to meet demand as it grows. As solar energy producers with ready access to Qatar’s advanced infrastructure network, we see no geographical limits and can readily service the expanding markets of Asia, Europe, the US, Australia and beyond.”

Qatar’s journey
A booming financial centre and international hub with growing status, Qatar boasts many desirable characteristics. “Protecting the environment for future generations is extremely important in Qatar and plays a major role in the Qatar National Vision 2030” says Dr Al Hajri. The » protection of the environment forms an integral part of the Qatar National Vision 2030. “We have seen great progress in the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies and a number of key buildings have already started to use solar power to generate some of their power requirements or they have incorporated solar technologies into their designs which will help to reduce their carbon footprint,” he continues. Among the growing crop of businesses and organisations that have turned to solar power is the Qatar Foundation Convention Centre, which now prides itself on using solar power to contribute 12 percent of its total energy consumption. The world’s only LEED platinum∞certified student housing complex is well under construction and will use advanced solar and environmental technologies. Solar desalination is being studied, the Qatar Science and Technology Park is currently undertaking several solar research projects and Doha’s new downtown re∞development, Msheireb Properties, will draw some of its power needs through solar. Looking ahead to 2022, when Qatar will host the World Cup, and the stadiums will be cooled using solar energy and advanced cooling technologies. Solar power is clearly the way forward for Qatar. But will this progression stifle Qatar’s current status as the bastion of oil and natural gas? Dr Al Hajri doesn’t think so.

“Natural Gas and other forms of energy will continue to play an important role going forward. Natural gas is already one of the cleanest forms of energy available and we are just adding to Qatar’s clean energy export mix. This region has been blessed with abundant energy both above and below the surface. Through our natural gas exports we have tapped the energy below the surface and now we will look to the sun and tap its unlimited potential.” An important component in the ongoing quest to bring Qatar into the future and diversify its economy and energy resources is through the activities of QSTec’s main shareholder, Qatar Foundation for education, science and community development. Qatar Foundation’s key priorities are to unlock Qatar’s rich human potential with the help of three main pillars, namely: education, science and research, and community development. Qatar Foundation’s investment in QSTec is its first in the solar industry and is one that meets the goals and aspirations of the Qatar National Vision 2030. QSTec will play a pivotal role in fulfilling this note∞worthy quest.

Syria and Turkey continue at loggerheads

Posted on 11/21/2011 by

While there has been a degree of strain in relations between Syria and
Turkey for decades, recent events have created additional stress on an
already tenuous relationship. Thanks to Turkish support of a change in
the current regime leading Syria, a great deal of unrest has been added
to the situation. While, at one point, there was talk of reworking some
of the border restrictions between the two nations, that has fallen out
of favour as some Syrians see Turkey’s move as being not just opposition
to actions taken by the Syrian government over the last year, but
actually the beginning of a plot to overthrow the country’s government
and even the possibility of military intervention.

Syria has
taken issue with Turkey’s status as a safe haven for Syrian insurgents.
Those in Turkey who support the sanctions see them as necessary to send a
clear message that Turkey does agree with what is happening in Syria
and think changes should be made. For those in Syria who support the
current regime, this is seen as interference by Turkey in the country’s
internal politics.

Turkish officials have been pushing for
sanctions against Syria for some time, beginning in March this year.
When the United Nations balked at the idea of sanctions in early
October, Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, made it quite
clear that whatever the UN decided to do, Turkey would move forward.
“Naturally the veto … cannot prevent sanctions,” Erdogan commented,
adding, “We will of necessity implement a package of sanctions.”

While
there are now indications that the intervention of the Arab League may
lead to concessions by Syrian officials that will ultimately bring
closure to the current crop of issues that have led to the bloodshed and
the attention of Turkey and other nations on the internal affairs of
the country, there is no doubt that the relationship between Syria and
Turkey has been severely damaged. Differences of opinion on water
rights, and other issues interchangeably described as either human
rights issues or imperialist designs, are putting great strain on the
countries’ relations.

Whilst in recent years the two countries
had seemed to reach a position that enabled them to carve out a working
relationship, the chances are that the events of the last several months
will take some time to resolve. How this will affect the balance of
power in the Middle East over the coming years and what the action of
Turkey means in terms of the nation’s strengthening ties to the West,
remains to be seen.

Microsoft claims Huawei infringes its IP rights

Posted on 11/08/2011 by

The world of technology has its eyes peeled on Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, as the company has confirmed that it is in discussion with Microsoft about its use of the Android software that Microsoft claims infringes its intellectual property rights.

This is not the first time Microsoft has dabbled in similar claims – it has already won cases against companies such as Samsung and HTC, resulting in their having to pay Microsoft royalty fees.

Bacterium found could be behind bowel cancer

Posted on 10/18/2011 by

Potentially moving a step closer to establishing what’s behind bowel cancer, scientists suspect that the same type of bacterium associated with dental decay and skin ulcers may be to blame. The suspicion arose after two independent research teams found that the Fusobacterium bug was present in tumours.

It has not yet been established whether the bacterium might cause cancerous changes or whether the discovery is merely incidental, but hopes are high that a breakthrough discovery has been made.

Low birth weight and Autism may be related

Posted on 10/17/2011 by

A clue to the development of Autism has emerged, as a new study suggest that babies born weighing less than 4lb (1.8kg) might be more likely to develop autism than children born at normal weight.

To establish the link, US researchers studied 862 children born at a low birth-weight from birth to the age of 21, and it transpired that about 5 percent of them were later diagnosed with autism. Only one percent of the individual weighing in at the normal birth weight turned out to develop the condition.

While the study to hold enough of a clue, experts agree that further research is needed to confirm the link, and unravel what’s behind it.

Protein-rich diet keeps hunger at bay

Posted on 10/14/2011 by

As the UK obesity epidemic mounts, a new study carried out by researchers at University of Sydney may assist in finding a solution to the worrying trend.

Confirming what dieticians – and indeed dieters – have always maintained, intake of protein curbs hunger pangs that may lead to gorging on unhealthy snacks – a definite villain in the menacing obesity saga.

Organ donors may be rewarded with free funeral

Posted on 10/12/2011 by

Organ donation is a hotly debated topic. Making it even more so, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics recommends that the NHS should foot the bill the funeral for those signing up to the donor registry.

But there’s a catch- in order to qualify for a freebie funeral, one has to die in circumstances that will leave the organs in a good enough condition to allow them to be donated.

If successfully introduced, the scheme could assist the NHS greatly in saving more of the 1,000 people who lose their lives as a result of organ shortages.

Use of vitamin pills connected to higher death rates in older women

Posted on 10/11/2011 by

Researchers have established a link between the use of vitamin pills and higher death rates among older women. The outcome of the study supports the suspicion experts’ have long harboured, namely that supplements will only benefit the health of individuals with a deficiency in certain nutrients.

The women that took part in the study were in their 50s and 60s, and all were well nourished while still topping up their vitamin storage with the help of pills. Supplements that seem to increase mortality risk in particular are multivitamins, iron, folic acid, vitamin B6, magnesium, copper and zinc. An apple day may keep the doctor away, but it seems a vitamin pill will achieve quite the opposite.

The mystery of cold winters unravelled

Posted on 10/10/2011 by

Scientists have established that the cold winters plaguing the UK and other parts of Europe in recent years may be connected to the Sun’s varying ultraviolet emissions, as satellite data indicates that the UV output is far more changeable than previously estimated.

The changes directly affect the temperatures in different places, which will assist in forecasting what type of winter to expect in a particular place.

Cause of hypoglycaemia established

Posted on 10/07/2011 by

A breakthrough discovery has been made in relation to a severe form of hypoglycaemia, which causes blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low. Researchers have established that the AKT gene is behind the life threatening condition.

The discovery will greatly assist scientists to find a cure, and hopes are high that a treatment may be made available within a year.

CERN breaks light speed

Posted on 10/04/2011 by

When the Large Hadron Collider was first activated, alarmists feared that it could create a black hole under Europe. The apparent observation at CERN of a beam of neutrino particles moving faster than the speed of light could prove even more surprising.

The subatomic particles, so small they can pass through matter, travelled from CERN near Geneva to Gran Sasso, Italy – a distance of 732km as part of a test. Expected to take three milliseconds, scientists were shocked to find the neutrinos arrive 60 billionths of a second earlier than it would take for light to travel the same distance. Even having applied apparent margins of error – understood to be around 10 billionths of a second – it would appear that neutrinos had achieved the fastest speed witnessed in the universe.

So potentially significant is the finding that scientists from the OPERA team conducting the experiment have offered up their data to counterparts around the world to check their calculations and methods – a sign of the trepidation felt around this discovery.

The potential implications of this discovery are enormous. Primarily, it would disprove Einstein’s special theory of relativity which has been considered a watertight description of the motion and interrelation of all objects in the universe. Widely recognised by the formula E=MC², the theory relies upon the speed of light being a constant and the fastest entity in the universe. If the discovery at CERN proves to be genuine, light speed would lose its status and the theory could be sent to the drawing board.

This has worried scientists as Einstein’s theory has been seen to be incredibly accurate in describing movement in the universe, from the position of distant stars to the location of communication satellites, and pretty much everything else. Physicists would need to reconcile how this theory appears to accurately describe the universe if neutrinos really can travel faster than light, potentially needing to rethink the nature of space as a uniform vacuum.

Surpassing light speed would also allow for the fantastic to become theoretical reality: time travel. It was previously held that any object travelling faster than the speed of light would experience reality slowing to the point of coming to a halt. Go faster still and the object would break this point and time would start to move backwards. Light speed was considered unattainable in reaction to the suggestion that matter could go back in time. If neutrinos have broken this speed, then there is no reason to suggest they could not – or have not – achieved this. This would require us to completely reconsider the universe in terms of our linear perception of it and take physics to strange, uncertain places.

There is some way to go in establishing the accuracy of CERN’s results. Several member of the OPERA team who conducted the experiment have refused to put their name to the paper that suggested light speed had been broken, requesting further checks before dropping the bombshell. Around the globe, both professional and amateur scientists alike have also been examining the findings, attempting to find fault with the data.

Several suggestions have so far been fielded, from data anomalies relating to the difference of the spread in the neutrino beam at the start and end points of the experiment, to more extravagant theories proposing new dimensions in space through which light may travel at faster speeds than we experience, thereby preserving Einstein’s theory. Nothing so far has derailed the findings but it remains very early days.

As the results of the experiment are analysed, likely ad infinitum, there holds two possibilities. Either one of the fundamental cornerstones of modern physics has just disappeared, or CERN has publicly made an embarrassing error.

Regardless, the news has ignited public interest in physics in a manner rarely seen, with the story carried from scientific journals to tabloid newspaper. If nothing else, the announcement has reignited the wider imagination about the universe we live in. And if it proves true, those imaginations will be necessary to fundamentally rethink the workings of the universe.