Renewable power beating up on coal

subscribe

Power equipment maker Alstom expects demand for renewable and nuclear technologies to outstrip growth in coal and gas fired electricity projects, Chief Executive Patrick Kron said.

"There will be a faster growth of non carbon dioxide emitting technologies, but there will also be a role in thermal (gas and coal) as part of the equation. There will be a move toward more efficient thermal plants," he said.

"Renewables and nuclear are likely to grow faster, but coal and gas will definitely grow," he added, declining to comment on which technologies Alstom expected to see greatest sales growth.

Alstom's sales of power plant turbines have suffered from a decline in electricity demand in 2009, the first year-on-year drop in global demand since 1945, said Kron.

Alstom's total orders should recover from lows seen last year but it is "not unlikely" that sales will fall in the 2010/11 reporting year because of the 2009 dip, he said.

"Over 2009 we had a slowdown in order intake as a number of customers delayed their investment decisions, because of the uncertainties," he said.

"As far as our order intakes were concerned we reached a type of low point in 2009 and now we will see how it goes."

The financial crisis has dampened energy demand growth in some countries, leading some plant builders to put off major investment projects, while smaller developers in the renewables sectors have struggled to get financing for projects.

But Kron was upbeat on prospects for long-term sales.

"Our market growth will remain steady over the medium and long term. There is a massive need for power generation," he said.

Related News

aps logo

APS asks customers to conserve energy after recent blackouts in California

PHOENIX - After excessive heat forced rolling blackouts for thousands of people across California Friday and Saturday, Arizona Public Service Electric is asking customers to conserve energy this afternoon and evening.

“Given the extended heat wave in the western United States, APS is asking customers to conserve energy due to extreme energy demand that is driving usage higher throughout the region with today’s high temperatures,” APS said in a statement.

Tucson Electric Power has made a similar request of customers in its coverage area.


APS is asking customers to conserve energy in the following ways Tuesday until 8 p.m.:

iran electricity protests

Electricity blackouts spark protests in Iranian cities

READ MORE

wind-solar-energy-surpass-coal-in-us

Wind and Solar Energy Surpass Coal in U.S. Electricity Generation

READ MORE

ns power meter

Nova Scotia can't order electric utility to lower power rates, minister says

READ MORE

European gas prices fall to pre-Ukraine war level

READ MORE