Shaw preparing for the future by providing services in all electric generation markets, including coal, natural gas, nuclear and renewables
– By Stephen Heiser –
Ron Barnes, president of Shaw Power Group’s Fossil & Renewables Division, recently discussed the opportunities and challenges facing the U.S. coal-fired electric power industry, telling a gathering of industry leaders that a diverse portfolio of energy solutions and the continued research, demonstration and implementation of new technologies are essential to the future of coal-fired power generation.
“Shaw is preparing for the future by providing services in all electric generation markets, including coal, natural gas, nuclear and renewables, in order to meet the needs of power generation companies going forward,” he said.
Mr. Barnes emphasized that a key to the viability of coal-fired generation will be the development of cost-effective carbon dioxide capture and storage capability. He also stressed that efficient ultra-supercritical and supercritical boilers are one answer to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, in addition to circulating fluidized bed (CFB) technology that has been recognized as a clean coal technology by the U.S. Department of Energy. Shaw currently is building one of the first ultra-supercritical power plants in the U.S., in addition to two supercritical and two CFB power plants.
Serving as keynote speaker at the ninth annual Coal-Gen Conference & Exhibition in Charlotte, N.C., Mr. Barnes discussed what he feels are the two main challenges facing the coal-fired power generation industry: the global recession – which has reduced demand for electricity, increased reserve margins and caused financial institutions to be more cautious in lending – and uncertainty surrounding carbon dioxide legislation or regulation.
Despite a decrease in demand for 2009 and a slow demand growth rate thereafter, electricity demand is projected to increase by 26 percent by 2030.
“We must continue to research, demonstrate and implement new technologies so that future coal plants will be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly,” Mr. Barnes said. “By using our full array of generation options in the energy portfolio, we can ensure that future demand is met regardless of the regulatory environments or financial situations we experience over the next few decades.”
The Shaw Group Inc. is a leading global provider of technology, engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance, fabrication, manufacturing, consulting, remediation and facilities management services for government and private sector clients in the energy, chemicals, environmental, infrastructure and emergency response markets. A Fortune 500 company with fiscal year 2008 annual revenues of $7 billion, Shaw is headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., and employs approximately 26,000 people at its offices and operations in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Shaw is the power sector industry leader according to Engineering News-Record's list of Top 500 Design Firms. For further information, please visit Shaw's Web site at www.shawgrp.com.