Green generation stimulates control systems market

. The implementation of the emissions trading scheme in 2005, which has provided power plants and factories with allowances related to permissible carbon dioxide levels, is gaining importance and this is projected to be an significant driver for automation and control solutions (ACS) in the European power generation sector over the next few years. Industry analyst firm Frost and Sullivan predicts that revenues from automation and control solutions in the European power generation sector, which reached $1272.4 million in 2005, will reach $1595.7 million by 2012. “The emissions trading scheme, together with reduced subsidies for less environmentally friendly power generation, are expected to boost demand and generate new investment opportunities for automation and control solutions,” said Frost and Sullivan industry analyst Jonas Westlund. Other drivers for growth in ACS include the deregulation of the European energy markets. Although this driver is expected to have less impact over the forecast period it is still expected to have a relatively high impact in Italy, Spain, France and also amongst EU accession countries. In terms of geographical growth markets, the EU accession countries are expected to see increased investment levels in new power generation facilities. Existing power infrastructure is outdated and further investment is needed to comply with targets on carbon emission as well as achieve greater efficiency in power supply. Although the main source of energy is expected to remain coal over the forecast period, a gradual shift towards more environmentally friendly power generation investment is nevertheless expected. An important trend in the European power generation sector will be the increasing importance of total system suppliers. As the power sector is operated by fewer but more influential power utilities, pressure will increase on ACS manufacturers to meet the evolving supply needs of the power utilities. Through forward integration, many power utilities now control the complete product value chain from downstream generation to upstream distribution. Qpod parts can be used again A new breed of eco-friendly automobile has been launched. The ‘Qpod’ is a peculiar-looking vehicle that is fully recyclable. Every component can be used again. It manages a fuel consumption of 70 miles to the gallon and can run on bio-ethanol fuel. It has a top speed of approximately 50mph and can perform everything off-road that a quad bike can perform but with added safety. The central roll cage, plus the solid road handling ensure that it is almost impossible to roll. The front and back panels are replaceable and therefore, a customer can request a unique design for their pod. Even though the QPod is small, it can tow up to 1,000kg in weight and importantly, is light enough itself to hook straight onto the back of a car, motor home or other vehicle. The Qpod was on show at the BA Festival of Science & Engineering Section in September and is developed by Norwich-based Cunninghams Auto. GE Energy uses Chinese gearboxes GE Energy, one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, and Nanjing High Speed & Accurate Gear Company (NGC), have signed an agreement to develop gearboxes for GE’s 1.5MW wind turbines. The agreement makes NGC one of GE’s leading component suppliers in the wind energy business. The gearbox is a critical component of the GE 1.5MW wind turbine, which is among the most widely used megawatt-class wind turbines in the global wind industry. Around 5,000 of these machines have been installed or committed for projects worldwide. GE will contribute ‘Six Sigma’ quality processes and technical consulting to the design process of the gearbox. As part of the agreement, NGC senior management will attend training sessions at GE’s leadership development centre in Crotonville, New York. SolarShuttle is a boat that runs entirely on solar power. It does not depend on either wind or fossil fuels, and designer Christophe Behling says that it saves more than two tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in a year, compared with a conventional diesel boat of similar size. This version can carry 42 passengers and cruise at 5mph, but Behling is working on solar boats that can carry 250 people.