THE IMPORTANCE OF Gas-fired Generation in a Transformed Energy Landscape
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Gas-fired Generation in a Transformed Energy Landscape ge.com/power Generation in a Transformed Energy Landscape The Importance of Gas-Fired

The world’s electricity system is rapidly changing. Amid the shifts, gas-fired generation will be an important part of the overall energy mix. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) most recent World Energy Outlook (WEO), published in November 2018, the contribution of gas to powering the world through 2040 is vital by almost any measure, across markets and sectors. Considering this demand, GE stands behind the significant role of gas because of its sustainability, generation flexibility, low capital costs, natural resource efficiency and "right-sized" and...

The NPS also envisions natural gas overtaking coal in providing the most capacity by the mid-2020s, with renewables rising rapidly as well. Specifically, in 2040, the IEA projects that gas-powered capacity will be roughly 2,750 GW, edging out solar PV at around 2,500 GW. Coal hangs on at 2,250 GW, followed by hydro power at 1,800 GW. Finally, wind comes in at 1,750 GW, and battery storage kicks in at 250 GW.3 Additions (GW) Coal 740 Gas 1,510 Oil 90 Nuclear 270 Hydro 700 Wind 1,640 Solar PV 2,430 Other renewables 350 Batteries 320 Probing deeper into the IEA’s regional forecasts reveals an...

a similarly sized coal plant, and lower emissions levels for other pollutants such as mercury, NOx, SOx and particulate matter.6 Meanwhile, coal-to-gas switching was responsible for two thirds of the 27% reduction in CO2 in the U.S. across all sectors (power, transportation, industry, agriculture) since 2005.7 Gas Takes the Capacity Lead in IEA’s New Policies Scenario Expected Retirements Expected Additions Generation Flexibility The global system is evolving toward an integrated and hybridized network containing elements of old and new technologies working synergistically to provide...

Low Capital Costs9 In a capital constrained world, a key feature of gas-fired generators is their relatively low up-front capital costs as well as the ability to upgrade older assets. Simple cycle and combined cycle natural gas-fired power plants have the lowest upfront capital costs on a $/kW installed basis. As an example, in the U.S., a combined cycle plant costs approximately $1,000/kW, while simple cycle is $825/kW. Onshore wind is approximately $1,350/kW and utility scale solar is $1,100/kW. New nuclear is $9,500/kW and offshore wind is $3,025/ kW. When factoring in the...

Case Study: Gas Closes a Power Gap in Pakistan High population growth, rapid urbanization and increased manufacturing placed a giant strain on Pakistan’s electricity grid. In 2014, GE embarked on its largest infrastructure development project in a decade to help plug this gap, building three combined cycle gas power plants in record time that together are expected to add 3.6 GW to the national grid, the equivalent power needed to supply up to 7.3 million Pakistani homes. The plants are equipped with GE’s HA technology, the world’s most efficient heavy duty gas turbines. The rapid startup...