All articles by James Varley

James Varley

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.

How integrated system plan can boost electricity supply in Australia

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has released its Integrated System Plan, a “25-year roadmap to transition the National Electricity Market (NEM) to net zero by 2050”

Insights into ACES Delta project from Mitsubishi Power’s point of view

A joint venture between Mitsubishi Power Americas and Chevron (via its acquisition from Haddington Ventures of Magnum Development in September 2023), the ACES Delta project is developing a large hydrogen hub to produce, store, and deliver green hydrogen to the western United States, including to a nearby combined cycle power plant being developed by Intermountain Power Agency to replace coal generation at its Intermountain Power Plant (IPP)

Key takeaways from journey of SunZia wind and transmission project

Following the groundbreaking closure of a record-setting $11bn in financing late last year, full construction is underway on Pattern Energy’s SunZia Wind and SunZia Transmission, which is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

How advanced surface preparation solutions protect wind towers from corrosion

Corrosion poses a major threat to wind towers, but advanced surface preparation techniques may safeguard the structural integrity to extend their operational life, enhancing the durability and efficiency of these structures

Breaking down UK government’s strategies for cost-effective radioactive waste management

The need to expand nuclear waste disposal sites and reduce costs has prompted the UK government to question some longstanding assumptions on waste management.

How South Fork Wind and Vineyard Wind I are leading US offshore wind efforts despite setbacks

Despite setbacks in the US offshore wind sector, 2024 witnessed the completion of South Fork Wind, the first utility-scale offshore project, and progress on Vineyard Wind I, highlighting key steps toward achieving renewable energy targets.

Insights into recent developments in Japan’s offshore wind sector

Japanese offshore wind: status, recent developments and analysis. By Emmanuel Ninos, Martin Lucas, James Ballantyne (Watson Farley and Williams), with contributions from Kiyoshi Honda and Saori Kawai (Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu) and Ivan Savitsky and Megan Smith (Carbon Trust)

Overview of CRA’s report on advanced nuclear reactor technologies for energy transition

Benefits await for first movers on advanced reactor deployment at scale but a number of barriers much be overcome before that can become reality. A new report details both the scale of the challenge and the rewards.