First Quality Solutions and the Steam-Turbine Industry

Written by: Kevin Kissig

While reports are sketchy, it is estimated that over 300 coal-burning power plants were slated to close in 2012 as a result of the Obama Administration’s anti-coal position, and increasing stringent EPA regulations.  This equates to over 30 gigawatts of national electricity output that will either have to be replaced or foregone.  For a company like First Quality Solutions, that for years has serviced the fossil side of the power generation industry, and the ancillary industries that support it, these are troubling statistics. 

 

Capital projects and even standard maintenance activities grinded to a halt at the vast majority of our customer’s facilities in anticipation of what was to come.  And while the boilers in many cases have been decommissioned, the need to find alternative ways to turn the generators has become a focus.  Alternatives such as gas-turbines and synchronous condensers have been proposed that would allow for utilization of the turbines without the benefits of steam produced through the use of coal-fired boilers.  Fortunately, First Quality Solutions has long-term experience and expertise with these turbines, and we’ve been able to redirect our efforts towards assisting in the conversion and maintenance activities underway at the facilities of some of our customers. 

As we look forward to a future without the benefit of coal-fired boiler outages for long-term inspection projects, we’re looking for ways to utilize our expertise with turbines to remain a valuable resource to our customers in the power generation industry.  As the government ends the era of coal-fired boilers, the need for the electricity they produced remains, the questions becomes; how will the generators that produce the electricity be turned?  Great and innovative minds continue to ponder this question and develop viable solutions. As an inspection company, our mission is to remain on the leading edge of that innovation, and constantly be a relevant and valuable resource to those that need our services.  We’re extremely interested to hear any of your questions, thoughts, concerns or ideas on this issue, please post them below.