·        Is the Market For Mercury Control Millions or Billions of Dollars Per Year?

·        Fabric Filter Purchases by Power Plants Could Exceed All Other Applications Combined

·        Renewable Energy Briefs     

·        Headlines for the August 30, 2013 - Utility E-Alert

·        “Hot Topic Hour” on September 12^th  is “Solar & Wind Strategies, Projects and Technology Developments”

·        McIlvaine Hot Topic Hour Registration

Is the Market For Mercury Control Millions or Billions of Dollars Per Year?

The U.S. has promulgated three tough emission standards to limit mercury emissions from industrial sources.  Other countries have primarily only placed limits on incinerator emissions.  However, limitations are being considered for other sources.   According to the findings in Mercury Air Reduction Markets published by the McIlvaine Company, the annual future market for control equipment and consumables to reduce mercury could vary from as little as $500 million per year to as much as $3 billion per year.

An international conference on the subject was held this summer in Europe.  Attendees were well aware that mercury is a world traveler.  Once it is released into the atmosphere, mercury is transported and deposited on the earth's surface by rain and snowstorms, as well as wind storms and forest fires. The transport and deposition of mercury is dependent upon many variables such as meteorological conditions, other chemical pollutants emitted along with mercury and the chemical make-up of the air mass.  Deposition can occur in as little as five to fourteen days after mercury is emitted to the air or it can take approximately one year -- during which time mercury can reside in the air and be transported far around the globe.

The size of the market in the U.S. will largely be determined by the choice of technologies as well as the definition.  The combination of halogen chemicals and wet scrubbing could prove to be a low-cost solution.  Expenditures for the chemicals would involve very little capital cost and modest operating cost. Many plants in the U.S., Europe and even China have scrubbers.  However, for plants without scrubbers the capital and operating cost would be substantial.  On the other hand, these scrubbers serve the primary purpose of removing SO₂ and HCl.  So a narrow definition which assumes there is no cost for the scrubbing portion leads to low revenue projections for the market.

There is competition between activated carbon injection and mercury capture in existing particulate equipment on one hand, and the halogen chemicals and scrubbers on the other.  The potential market for activated carbon is over one billion pounds per year. This would exceed the present world use of activated carbon for all other environmental purposes.

The coal-fired power industry, waste-to-energy, cement plants and gold mining operations all are major contributors to the global mercury emissions. The McIlvaine Company is continually adjusting its predictions for the market in each country and each industry.

For more information on Mercury Air Reduction Markets, click on:

http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/index.php/component/content/article?id=48#n056.

Fabric Filter Purchases by Power Plants Could Exceed All Other Applications Combined

Assuming that fabric filters maintain their small share of the power plant market, world sales of fabric filter systems in 2017 will be just under $9 billion.  However, should fabric filters be chosen over precipitators by the power industry, the market could easily be $15 billion or more in 2017.  This is the most recent conclusion reached by the McIlvaine Company in World Fabric Filter and Element Market.  (www.mcilvainecompany.com)

Fabric Filter Purchases by Power Plants Top of Form$ Millions

In 2017, power companies are predicted to purchase 100,000 MW of precipitators for new power plants. Fabric filters are more efficient and are proven in coal-fired boiler applications. If power plants were to purchase an additional 100,000 MW of fabric filters, this would increase the limited scope fabric filter system revenue by $10 billion as opposed to the $992 million projected at the present penetration rate.

Many power plants are also facing tighter particulate limits for existing coal- and biomass-fired boilers. Should fabric filters be selected as the technology to meet these limits, the retrofit market in 2017 could be much larger than the presently predicted $739 million.

Many innovations are making fabric filters increasingly attractive to power plants. Semi-dry and dry scrubber technology is capable of providing adequate SO₂ removal if a downstream fabric filter is utilized.  Improvements in membranes and non-woven media are improving performance and reducing maintenance. A design which incorporates catalyst in the fiber matrix is proving capable of removing both particulate and NO_x.

For more information on World Fabric Filter and Element Market, click on:

http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/index.php/component/content/article?id=48#n021

Renewable Energy Briefs

U.S. Wind Energy Production and Manufacturing Reaches Record Highs

The Energy Department released two new reports in August showcasing record growth across the U.S. wind market —increasing America’s share of clean, renewable energy and supporting tens of thousands of jobs nationwide. According to these reports, the U.S. continues to be one of the world’s largest and fastest growing wind markets. In 2012, wind energy became the number one source of new U.S. electricity generation capacity for the first time — representing 43 percent of all new electric additions and accounting for $25 billion in U.S. investment.

The tremendous growth in the overall U.S. wind industry has led directly to more American jobs throughout a number of sectors and at factories and power plants across the country. According to industry estimates, the wind sector employs over 80,000 American workers, including workers at manufacturing facilities up and down the supply chain, as well as engineers and construction workers who build wind installations.

The proportion of wind turbine components such as towers, blades, and gears made in America has increased dramatically. The report estimates seventy-two percent of the wind turbine equipment installed in the U.S. last year was made by domestic manufacturers, nearly tripling from 25 percent in 2006-2007.

The report also finds that nine states now rely on wind power for more than 12 percent of their total annual electricity consumption — with wind power in Iowa, South Dakota and Kansas contributing more than 20 percent. Additionally, Texas added over 1,800 megawatts of wind power last year, more than any other state. On a cumulative basis, Texas remains a clear leader with over 12 GW installed at the end of 2012 —more than twice as much as California, the next-highest state.

Army Awards Second Technology under $7 Billion Renewable Energy MATOC

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAQCE), Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, working with the Army Energy Initiatives Task Force (EITF), awarded Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (MATOC) to a group of 22 qualified solar technology contractors.

Solar is the second of four technologies being awarded under $7 billion Renewable and Alternative Energy Power Production for DoD Installations MATOC. The first, geothermal, was awarded May 3, 2013. The remaining technologies —wind and biomass —will be awarded on a staggered schedule by the end of the calendar year.

The contractors that are qualified through this process will be able to compete for future projects within their approved technology area for any renewable energy task order issued under the MATOC by the Army, or Department of Defense (DoD). The MATOC leverages the DoD authority to contract up to 30 years under Title 10 USC 2922a.

This MATOC will be used to procure reliable, locally generated, renewable and alternative energy for DoD installations through Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). The $7 billion capacity will be expended for PPA to procure energy during a period of up to 30 years from renewable energy generation systems that are designed, financed, constructed, operated and maintained by contractors using private sector financing.

Energy Department Invests $16 Million to Harness Wave and Tidal Energy

As part of the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above strategy to deploy every available source of American energy, the Energy Department announced $16 million for seventeen projects to help sustainably and efficiently capture energy from waves, tides and currents. Together, these projects will increase the power production and reliability of wave and tidal devices and help gather valuable data on how deployed devices interact with the surrounding environment.

Tidal and wave energy is a clean, renewable resource that can be harnessed wherever changing tides, waves or currents move a significant volume of water —including off the coasts of many U.S. cities where there is high electricity demand. The Department’s latest nationwide wave and tidal energy resource assessments identify up to 1,400 terawatt hours of potential generation per year.

The Energy Department announced about $13.5 million for eight projects to help U.S. companies build durable, efficient wave and tidal devices that reduce overall costs and maximize the amount of energy captured. The projects will develop new drivetrain, generator and structural components as well as develop software that predicts ocean conditions and adjusts device settings accordingly to optimize power production.

For example, ABB will develop an affordable, efficient generator that is half the size of a traditional generator, while Ocean Energy USA will develop and test a hull design for a floating wave device. Dehlsen Associates will develop new software for its Centipod wave device to predict future wave conditions and adjust system settings to maximize power output.

Customer Solar Projects Selected for Consumers Energy Program; Next Phase Open to New Residential Construction

Solar projects planned by 16 residential customers have been selected to move forward as part of Consumers Energy's ongoing implementation of Michigan's energy reform law.

The random-selection process for these qualified applicants is part of the utility's Experimental Advanced Renewable Program (EARP).  The program provides for the long-term purchase of renewable energy generated by solar energy systems owned by the utility's electric customers.

Residential customer projects in 13 Lower Peninsula counties were selected during this phase of the program. The projects will provide 118.6 kilowatts of electric capacity.

A new phase of the program also is starting. Consumers Energy is accepting applications from developers that integrate solar energy systems into new home construction.

China Sunergy Launches Super black Module

China Sunergy Co., Ltd., a specialized solar cell and module manufacturer, announced that the company has introduced the Super Black module following an initial custom order for a 60 KW rooftop project in Hawaii.  Delivery is expected in mid-August.

The Super Black module offers a pure black appearance for the entire panel including welding strips, making the module well suited for high-end rooftop projects and integrated constructions.  With its anti-glare feature, the Super Black module reduces reflection and performs excellently in low sunlight conditions.  Resistant to salt mist, ammonia, and up to 7200pa snow pressure or 2400pa wind pressure, the Super Black module is ideal for beach house, resort, and farm installations.

For more information on Renewable Energy Projects and Update please visit

http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/Renewable_Energy_Projects_Brochure/renewable_energy_projects_brochure.htm

Headlines for the August 30, 2013 – Utility E-Alert     

UTILITY E-ALERT   

#1140 – August 30, 2013

Table of Contents

COAL – US

§  Oklahoma Attorney General will appeal Regional Haze Decision

§  Mercury Control Project approved for Petersburg and Harding Street

§  Clyde Bergemann to refurbish ESP at Lon D. Wright 8

§  Duke Energy reaches Settlement on Edwardsport Power Plant Air Permit

COAL – WORLD 

• EGAT says Four New 800 MW Power Plants will have Emissions Control
• Eskom approved to build Third Coal-fired Power Plant in South Africa
• Taqa deferring Decision on Coal-Fired Power Project in Turkey until 2014
• FSA to be signed in India next Week
• Endesa Chile’s 740 MW Punta Alcalde Power Project Stopped
• Sumitomo and Daelim build 1,000 MW Coal-fired Power Plant in Malaysia

GAS/OIL – US

• Southern Power plans 470 MW Trinidad Power Plant in Texas

GAS/OIL – WORLD

• Veresen wants to build Power Plant in Terrace, BC, Canada
• GE to supply 6F Gas Turbines for 200 MW Bhola in Bangladesh
• Investec to fund Dedisa and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa
• APR to install Gas, Diesel-fueled Power Plants in Mozambique, Senegal and Indonesia
• Calik Enerji building 230 MW Gardabani Combined Cycle Power Plant in Georgia

NUCLEAR 

• Saudi Arabia plans to build 22 GW of Nuclear Power by 2030

BUSINESS 

• 100,000 People who are Changing the Worlds Environment and Access to Energy
• Billion Dollar Opportunity for Thermal Treatment in the U.S. Oil and Gas Industry
• $224 Billion to Be Invested in New Coal-fired Power Plants Next Year
• 62 Percent of $7 Billion Air Filtration Market will be in the Industrial Sector Next Year
• Fuel Tech Orders in China

HOT TOPIC HOUR

• “Status of Carbon Capture, Storage Programs and Technology” - “Hot Topic Hour” on August 29, 2013
• “Fabric Selection for Particulate Control” is the Hot Topic Hour on Thursday, September 5, 2013
• Upcoming Hot Topic Hours

For more information on the Utility Tracking System, click on: http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=72.

“Solar & Wind Strategies, Projects and Technology Developments” is the “Hot Topic Hour” on September 12, 2013

                        President Obama has recently declared a “war” on coal-fired power plants leading industry analysts to project that many coal-fired power plants will shut down in the next few years. A recent report by NERA Economic Consulting projected that between 23 GW and 38 GW of coal-fired power generation will be retired in the next three years as a result of MATS and CSAPR.  Although some of this lost coal-fired  generation will be replaced by gas-fired boilers and turbines, the coming GHG regulations and Federal and State mandates for renewable energy will act to increase the focus on the leading renewable source, wind (currently producing 3.46 percent of the country’s power) and solar (0.11 percent). President Obama’s plan to cut GHGs also stated that he will issue an Executive Order directing the Interior Department to permit new wind, solar and other renewable energy projects on public lands, with a goal of 10 GW of renewable energy on public lands by 2020.

Although the share of electricity generated from solar and wind has grown significant during the past five years, it will need to be greatly expanded to replace the fossil-fuel generated power expected to be retired and meet the renewables mandates.  Fortunately, during the same time renewable mandates and fiscal incentives have spurred this growth, the industry has made considerable advances in technology to reduce capital costs and increase output from wind turbines and solar.

The following speakers will discuss strategies power plant operators are using or could use to increase power generated from wind and solar, available options for adding wind and solar power to a utility portfolio, advances in technology that have been made to reduce capital cost and improve output, their experience with wind and solar installations and regulatory and additional technology changes that need to be made to further the growth of wind and solar power generation.

Dr. Juris Kalejs, PhD Chief Technology Officer at American Capital Energy, will present “Utility-Scale PV: Next Generation Plant Control Technology.” Utility-scale Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plants are in an early phase of design, development and deployment. Design aspects of PV power plants can be constrained by existing utility technology, both at the transmission and distributed energy supply levels, when using conventional plant control SCADA supervision, software, switchgear and transformers. A future option for PV power plant control based on real-time Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) technology will be discussed.  Real-time control will prove to be useful as the degree of renewable energy penetration of the grid increases and makes PV more adaptable as well as adding value in integration into high penetration distributed energy grid scenarios.

Dr. Peter Johnston, Project Manager focusing on Clean Energy Technologies in the Business and Technology Services Group of Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, will discuss “Solar Strategies, Projects and Technology Developments.”  He will take a brief look at the current state of photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies and what technical developments might be pursued in order to make them more productive.  Some different applications for solar will be reviewed, and policies that could make the deployment of solar projects easier and faster will also be discussed.

To register for the September 12^th “Hot Topic Hour” on “Solar & Wind Strategies, Projects and Technology Developments” at 10 a.m. DST, click on: http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/hot_topic_hour_registration.htm.

McIlvaine Hot Topic Hour Registration

On Thursday at 10 a.m. Central time, McIlvaine hosts a 90 minute web meeting on important energy and pollution control subjects. Power webinars are free for subscribers to either Power Plant Air Quality Decisions or Utility Tracking System. The cost is $125.00 for non-subscribers. Market Intelligence webinars are free to McIlvaine market report subscribers and are $400.00 for non-subscribers.

On Thursday at 10 a.m. Central time, McIlvaine hosts a 90 minute web meeting on important energy and pollution control subjects. Power webinars are free for subscribers to either Power Plant Air Quality Decisions or Utility Tracking System. The cost is $125.00 for non-subscribers. Market Intelligence webinars are free to McIlvaine market report subscribers and are $400.00 for non-subscribers.

To register for the “Hot Topic Hour”, click on:

http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/hot_topic_hour_registration.htm.

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You can register for our free McIlvaine Newsletters at: http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/Free_Newsletter_Registration_Form.htm.

Bob McIlvaine
President
847 784 0012 ext 112

rmcilvaine@mcilvainecompany.com

www.mcilvainecompany.com

191 Waukegan Road Suite 208 | Northfield | IL 60093

Ph: 847-784-0012 | Fax; 847-784-0061