GE Launches Global Powering Efficiency Center of Excellence, Offering Solutions to Help Reduce Coal Plant Emissions by up to
11 Percent
- GE’s Powering Efficiency COE Combines the Expertise of Power Services, Steam Power Systems, Power
Digital Solutions, the Global Research Center and Global Growth Organization
- Project in India Highlights GE’s Global Powering Efficiency COE Mission to Boost Efficiency and
Reduce Emissions of Existing Coal-Fired Power Plants
GE (NYSE:GE) today announced its new global Powering Efficiency Center of Excellence (COE), which brings
together cross-business experts in its energy businesses to apply a total plant hardware and software solution approach to boost
the efficiency of the world’s new and existing coal-fired power plants and significantly reduce their emissions. The global COE,
headquartered in Baden, will create integrated solutions as well as provide vision and oversight around the world. Regional teams
will focus on engineering capabilities and local execution.
“By bringing together the combined experience of a cross-business group of experts from GE’s Power Services, Steam Power
Systems, Global Research Center and Global Growth organizations, we are showing operators how they can achieve emissions compliance
and increased efficiency with their new and existing coal-fired power plants” said Michael Rechsteiner, executive sponsor of the
global COE and vice president of product lines for GE’s Power Services.
The COE aligns with GE’s recent study that found carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the world’s steam fleet can be reduced by 11
percent when existing hardware and software solutions are fully applied. Coal-fired power generation provides electricity for about
40 percent of the world. It also accounts for nearly 75 percent of the electricity sector’s carbon emissions because many plants
are older and inefficient.
‘’The installed base of coal assets will not disappear overnight, and while GE supports the increased use of renewable energy
sources, we also realize the need for flexible and efficient coal solutions to help to reduce emissions and bring reliable energy
supplies to power producers,” continued Rechsteiner. “GE has a suite of steam upgrades and emission management technologies that,
when combined with our digital technologies, can increase efficiency on average by 4 percent.”
The newest coal plants being built using GE’s ultra-super critical technology can deliver up to 49 percent efficiency
rates—significantly higher than the global average of 33 percent. Every point of efficiency reduces operating costs over the
lifetime of the plant while also reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 2 percent.
Modern coal-fired power plants rely on a complex network of sensors, digital controllers and supervisory computers to operate
and coordinate plant subsystems. GE’s digital capabilities and portfolio of air quality control systems can help further lower
atmospheric emissions to meet or exceed the world’s strictest regulations.
In addition, the Powering Efficiency COE will provide a set of financing solutions to help customers develop transformative
projects toward a lower carbon intensity power generation mix.
Global and Regional Organizations
Besides the global COE, regional organizations—starting in India—will help ensure real-time answers to meet coal power plants’
local needs.
“Our initial focus is in India due to the country’s explosive energy demand projections,” said Ashok Ganesan, leader of the
Powering Efficiency COE and GE’s Power India Limited managing director. “The overall efficiency of the existing power plant fleets,
particularly the country’s aging coal-fired plants, is still relatively low. Our regional team in India is ideally suited to
demonstrate the full potential of the Powering Efficiency COE to help the country’s coal plants operate more efficiently and reduce
emissions.”
The first project showcasing GE’s Powering Efficiency COE commitment in the country is with India’s largest utility, NTPC Limited (NTPC). The utility selected GE to help increase the efficiency of three, 200-megawatt (MW) Ansaldo
steam turbines installed more than 30 years ago at the Ramagundam Super Thermal Power Plant in the state of Telangana. GE will help
NTPC improve the efficiency of each steam turbine by up to 14 percent, increase plant output by approximately 30 MW as well as
reduce its carbon footprint by approximately 5 percent.
The project includes the Enhanced Steam Path (ESP) upgrade solution to help NTPC boost the efficiency and output of its power
plant. The ESP was the first upgrade solution introduced to customers that blended GE and Alstom thermal power generation service
technologies following the integration of the two businesses.
To view an infographic on the new Powering Efficiency Center of Excellence, click here.
About GE
GE (NYSE:GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined
machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of
knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect.
Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale,
GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com
About GE Power
GE Power is a world leader in power generation with deep domain expertise to help customers deliver electricity from a wide
spectrum of fuel sources. We are transforming the electricity industry with the digital power plant, the world’s largest and most
efficient gas turbine, full balance of plant, upgrade and service solutions as well as our data-leveraging software. Our innovative
technologies and digital offerings help make power more affordable, reliable, accessible and sustainable.
For more information, visit the company's website at www.gepower.com.
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GE Power - Power Services
Laura Aresi, +1-518-886-1076
Global Media Relations Leader
laura.aresi@ge.com
or
Soteryx Corporation
Matt Falso or Tom Murnane
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