Sponsored by
GE Energy:
Generating Cleaner, Smarter, More Efficient Solutions Now.
Written by Michael Roney
Today, electricity is the most powerful tool available for building modern societies—referred to in reverential terms as “the backbone of civilization.” It therefore comes as no surprise that as dynamic new economies emerge, urban population explodes and greater affluence creates a new consumer class, the pursuit of reliable electrical power is presenting unprecedented economic, social and environmental challenges.
Dan Heintzelman, President and CEO of GE Energy Services, is the man faced with finding the solutions.
“As the demand for cleaner, smarter and more efficient electrical power expands across the globe, the need for holistic solutions is more crucial than ever,” says Heintzelman, an
Atlanta-based, 30-year GE veteran.
That’s why GE, in addition to offering an array of high-efficiency solutions for existing power plants and new power systems driven by renewable resources such as wind, solar and biogas, is doubling its research investment in cleaner technologies to $1.5 billion.
“We’re making these big investments to deal with today’s challenges in creative, effective and sustainable ways,” says Heintzelman.
Reducing Our Environmental Footprint
Focus on energy conservation and other demand-side challenges have caught the public’s and regulators’ imaginations, but, Heintzelman argues, supply-side power-generation solutions are perhaps just as likely to deliver the environmental impacts we are looking for.
By generating electricity more efficiently with today’s technology, power plants that once operated at a minimum base load may now perform across a larger load range, while achieving low levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
Among GE Energy’s innovations:
- GE is working with the U.S. Department of Energy to enhance low-emissions coal plant technology solutions;
- GE’s OpFlex* software enhancements are helping customers increase the flexibility and output of their generating infrastructure while reducing fuel costs and emissions;
- Engines for use with biogas, landfill gas and coal-mine gas are allowing customers to generate cost-effective power while substantially reducing emissions from their operations; and
- GE’s 1.5-MW wind turbine is the world’s most widely deployed, accounting for 43% of all new wind-power capacity in the U.S.
*Trademark of General Electric Company
Bringing the Smart Grid to Life
Recently, much has been made of the promise offered by new-generation “Smart Grid” energy technology.
“GE Energy is already implementing the Smart Grid,” says Heintzelman. “Our Smart Grid solutions in cities across America and Europe are providing utilities with greater reliability and operational efficiency, while enabling households and consumers to better manage personal energy-usage costs.”
The company’s Smart Grid optimization and diagnostic technologies acquire and distill key data into manageable, actionable formats. From power plant monitoring and remote control services to building intelligent energy networks in schools, homes and workplaces, GE Energy is helping electricity users and producers make smart choices while meeting crucial energy and environmental challenges.
Making “Cleaner, Smarter and More Efficient” Happen Now
Clearly, the need for “Cleaner, Smarter and More Efficient” energy production is now, requiring a strategic approach to meet current challenges while preparing for critical changes in the future.
“Finding ways to provide the electrical power that will lift emerging nations’ economies, provide employment and boost quality of life across the globe—and to do so in a way that respects the planet today and for future generations—is our challenge,” notes Heintzelman. “Our expanding Energy Services portfolio offers the solutions we need today…and tomorrow.”
For more information, visit www.ge-energy.com.