The Challenges Facing the Utility Gas Turbine

The object of this paper will be to examine the market place and some of the consequential technical challenges facing large frame utility gas turbines (greater than 100MW’s) over the next decade. The significant and rapid increase in the price of oil and gas and restrictions in fuel and electricity supply are posing many obstacles to the successful application of the gas turbine in the electricity supply market in both North America and worldwide. The paper will examine the historical background leading up to these changes and will discuss the predicted future price levels for gas turbine fuels. Alternative fuels will also be discussed. The paper will also discuss the challenges facing the large frame gas turbine with respect to the technical improvements that will be required to lower emissions and capital costs, while improving efficiency and potentially capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide.Copyright © 2007 by Siemens Power Generation, Inc