The technology that drove the 'dash for gas'

The much repeated claim that the success of the combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) is a triumph of the free market is open to question, bearing in mind the volume of evidence to the contrary. This article shows that any `success' can only be explained by reference to a complex web of factors, many of which are totally unrelated to CCGT at all. The aim is to re-evaluate the conventional wisdom that the CCGT has become so popular solely due to changed market circumstances and cheap natural gas. It is demonstrated that many political and technological factors have had a part to play, particularly in countries such as the UK, where CCGT has had a large impact. To do this, the history of the CCGT and its prime component, the industrial gas turbine, is analysed from three related perspectives. These examine the nature of the technology itself, the role of the equipment manufacturers, and the involvement of Governments and other important 'actors' such as financiers and consultants. The conclusions will hopefully lead to some wider debate about our general view of technological development, how it should be handled and by whom.