The GE Brief: December 15, 2020
TALKIN’ ‘BOUT GENERATION
Sources of renewable energy like wind and solar farms are expected to add 85% of net new generation capacity by 2040. But that also means that when winds die down and the sun sets other resources will need to step up to make sure there’s always enough power on the grid to meet demand. GE Gas Power has just published a report on how natural gas and the latest generation of gas turbines can be just the solution that renewables need to ease their growth. “Think of the gas turbines as a shock absorber that’s balancing the demand on the grid,” says Brian Gutknecht, marketing leader at GE Gas Power. “I have demand that’s varying, I’ve got supply from renewables that’s varying, and the gas turbine that’s in between balancing constantly: up and down.” Another cool thing about those gas turbines? Gas isn’t the only fuel they’ll burn.
Mix and match: Switching from coal to gas can reduce emissions by up to 60%, but that’s just the beginning. Another big switch could be from gas to hydrogen. The most abundant element in the universe, hydrogen could yield zero CO2 emissions at the plant site. GE’s gas turbines need only minor modifications to use hydrogen in combination with natural gas or on its own. A new power plant in Ohio, for instance, will start burning a blend of natural gas and hydrogen, and aims to transition to 100% hydrogen by 2030.
Learn more here about the report and how a variety of technologies is contributing to the future of renewable energy.
HOW IT ADDS UP
How can a mix of technologies — including wind and solar energy, gas turbines, hydrogen fuel and battery storage — open a path to reliable and sustainable energy? See our infographic here.
In 2011, the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program was established to award financial assistance to college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship. As it celebrates 10 years of giving, the program is looking back on some $7.4 million in scholarships committed to 185 diverse student leaders nationwide, representing 40 states and 110 undergraduate campuses. It’s also looking forward — to next year’s round of scholarships. Know a promising young person? The deadline is Jan. 5, 2021.
For the Gipper: The 10th anniversary of the program — there’ll be a virtual celebration in 2021 — happens to coincide with the 40th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration. Several decades before his election as president, Reagan worked for GE as host of the company’s popular weekly TV series “General Electric Theater” and, as a spokesman, traveled to more than 100 GE plants, encountering hundreds of thousands of company employees. Each year in Reagan’s honor, the scholarship program selects recipients to receive a $10,000 scholarship renewable up to three more years, for a potential total of $40,000 per recipient. Applicants should demonstrate leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship at school, at work and in the community.
Click here to learn more and apply. Find out more about Ronald Reagan’s time at GE here.
COOLEST THINGS ON EARTH ?
1. Seeing Things
Scientists used a gene therapy injection to improve vision in patients with a degenerative disease of the optic nerve.
2. Electrifying News
A new solid-state battery for electric vehicles could be a “game changer” in the industry.
3. Alloyed Forces
Researchers at MIT devised a way to use machine learning and computer simulations to create better metal alloys.
Read more here about this week’s Coolest Things on Earth.
— QUOTE OF THE DAY —
“There’s this notion that natural gas is this bridge that will take us to a low-carbon future. But you could argue it is also a long-term destination because a gas power plant that can burn hydrogen can generate near-zero emissions during operation. This notion of being available to firm up renewables when they are not available and do it in a way that generates near-zero carbon emissions, that’s sounds like a real win-win.”
— Brian Gutknecht, marketing leader at GE Gas Power
Quote: GE Reports. Images: Getty Images, GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program