Propelling industrial gas turbine as a solution to rising energy demand

A?recent report published by?The Guardian?sheds light on a pressing global issue:?Greenhouse gas emissions from the energy industry continue to rise.

?

As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, it is crucial to examine specific sectors responsible for significant emissions?and those with potential to make a positive impact.

?

It’s clear that demand for energy?is?increasing,?and?renewable sources?of energy, mainly wind and solar?– whilst developing at speed, cannot?keep up?with the need.?Renewables don't produce carbon emissions, but they have intermittent availability due to weather changes and solar variations. This can cause problems when energy supply doesn't match demand.?

?

Over the next?couple of decades,?reliance on coal as a source of energy will dimmish significantly,?whilst the role of natural gas?will remain relatively stable?for quite some time.?The use of natural gas fired open cycle gas turbines, instead of coal power plants, reduces specific carbon emission by 25% to 50%.

?

There are?several?challenges and opportunities within the?industrial gas turbine?sector?that I feel could?stimulate?innovative strategies to reduce emissions and foster a greener future.

?

The?industrial gas turbine?sector has historically played a pivotal role in various industries,?most notably?aviation, and energy production, but?its operations have contributed to rising greenhouse gas emissions.

?

To combat climate change effectively, acknowledging and addressing the sector's impact is of paramount importance. By proactively engaging in sustainability efforts, the industrial gas?turbine?sector can transform itself into a leader in combating climate change.

?

One of the most crucial steps in decarbonising the industrial gas turbine sector?will be thetransition to sustainable fuel alternatives. While natural gas has traditionally been the primary fuel source, the sector must explore and adopt low-carbon and renewable alternatives.?For example?natural gas with?sustainable hydrogen (H2),?as hydrogen combustion produces no CO2.?

?

Just as important will be technological advancements, which?hold the key to unlocking greater efficiency and reducing emissions in the industrial gas turbine sector.?

?

Research and development efforts must focus on improving turbine design, combustion processes, and materials to enhance energy conversion efficiency.?

?

High-efficiency turbines and advanced combustion systems can help maximise power output while minimising fuel consumption and emissions.

?

ELE’s unique turbine blade cooling solution,?for example, is aiding the?industrial gas turbinesector’s environmental impact by enabling turbines to?operate at higher temperatures?Byincreasing the operating temperature limits, gas turbines can achieve higher thermal efficiencies and generate more power with the same amount of fuel. This efficiency enhancement directly contributes to a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.?Improvement in gas turbine design plays a vital role in promoting cleaner and greener energy generation, supporting efforts to combat climate change and achieve a more sustainable future.

?

Use of new refractory alloys and coatings in gas turbines also plays a key role in reducing CO2 emissions. These advanced materials enhance the performance and durability of gas turbine components, allowing them to operate at higher temperatures and pressures. By withstanding extreme conditions, such as high heat and corrosive environments, these alloys and coatings enable more efficient combustion and power generation.

?

Furthermore, incorporating digital monitoring and control systems can optimise turbine performance, leading to significant energy savings and emissions reductions.?The integration of predictive maintenance algorithms?can be?enabled?for?early detection of potential issues, allowing for timely maintenance interventions.?Overall, the incorporation of digital monitoring and control systems in gas turbine design is instrumental in achieving higher energy efficiency, lowering operational costs, and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making it a crucial step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sector.

?

Other?routes?the sector?can take to?reduce?emissions include?research and investment into?combined?heat and?power systems,?hydrogen and ammonia as carbon-free fuels, and?biofuels from organic waste.

?

The industrial gas turbine sector has a unique opportunity to redefine its role in combating climate change and driving sustainable energy solutions.?

?

Compared with coal,?gas?is?a significantly less impactful way of producing energy to meet the rising demand we are seeing.?

?

By prioritising sustainable fuel options, embracing technological innovations,?and ramping up research and investment,?the sector can spearhead a revolution in cleaner?energy generation.?

?

Governments, industry leaders, and?other stakeholders?must rally behind efforts to support and incentivise the transformation of the industrial gas turbine sector?as it is primed to become the energy source?the world needs to meet demand.