All articles by James Varley
James Varley
How RWE is building Germany’s first public hydrogen grid at Lingen site
The take up of hydrogen is proving slower than hoped for, leading, for example, to restructuring at fuel cell technology provider Ballard. RWE, however, with generous government support, continues to invest in hydrogen infrastructure, notably at its Lingen power plant site
How oil and gas drilling expertise supports geothermal development
By using techniques adapted from the oil and gas industry, including precision directional/horizontal drilling and deployment of fibre optics downhole to generate data for subsurface analytics, Fervo is de-risking geothermal development
Insights into Arabelle turbine’s last-stage blade technology for nuclear power
The two Arabelle steam turbine trains at Hinkley Point C in the UK, currently under construction, will each be capable of producing an astonishing 1770 MW (gross).
EU electricity market reform: Decoupling electricity prices from fossil fuels
Following publication in the EU Official Journal on 26 June 2024, key legislation revising the design of Europe’s electricity market came into force 20 days later, on 16 July 2024. As from this date it became directly applicable in all EU member states, which then have up to six months to adapt their national legislation to the new provisions
Understanding role of gas turbines in renewable energy future
Meeting the growing demand for energy while paving the way for a climate-friendly future using sustainable, reliable, and affordable technology is one of our most urgent challenges. Siemens Energy is actively engaged in this endeavour, having already achieved major successes in firing sustainable fuels in gas turbines, such as hydrogen, hydrogen derivatives, and biofuels. A new white paper* emphasises the company’s commitment to decarbonising energy systems – including gas turbines – as a key objective. Some of the key findings are presented here. By Erik Zindel, Alastair Clegg, et al
Analysing role of small modular reactors in achieving net-zero
SMRs remain the most economically viable, and often the only practical, option for replacing coal. If pursuing net-zero is a genuine goal, the world requires an initiative akin to the Marshall Plan to assist the most carbon-intensive regions in the transition.
Role of THC-based high-resolution thermal mapping in gas turbine development
During the 2024 ASME Turbo Expo conference and exhibition held recently in London, very impressive high-resolution thermal mapping results were presented based on thermal history coating (THC) technology. This “novel and unique” temperature measurement concept has the potential to revolutionise future gas turbine design. By Jörg Feist Sensor Coating Systems Ltd
Enhancing nuclear governance with blockchain technology for regulatory compliance
The layered system of governance for nuclear materials generates huge volumes of data across multiple stakeholders in multiple jurisdictions. Now, blockchain technology may help to address a major data challenge faced by the nuclear industry.
Doosan seeks to expand gas turbine business in Korea with LTSA from KOSPO
The recent award of a long-term service agreement for an H class gas turbine, plus several orders for H class combined cycle plants, are seen by Doosan as further key steps towards realising its aspiration to become a player in advanced gas turbine technology
Role of steam generators in Diablo Canyon power plant’s extended future
Diablo Canyon has won a reprieve from closure and the potential to operate until the mid 2040s. Now its life extension application is under initial assessment by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.