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  July 25th, 2024 | Written by

Major Trends to Watch out for across Gas Turbine Market

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The gas turbine market is pivotal in driving the global energy landscape and powering critical applications. These machines are versatile rotary engines that convert the energy from the combustion of air and fuel into mechanical energy. The industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with the increasing demand for reliable and efficient power generation solutions. 

Read also: Key Drivers of the Industrial Gas Turbine Market

These turbines are widely used in combined cycle power plants, where they generate electricity by harnessing the energy from the combustion of natural gas or other fuels. The hot exhaust gases from the turbine are then utilized to produce steam, which drives a separate steam turbine, resulting in higher overall efficiency and reduced emissions. Additionally, gas turbines are employed in the marine sector, providing propulsion for ships, offshore platforms, and other maritime vessels.

The ability of these turbines to operate on a wide range of fuels, including natural gas, makes them a versatile choice in remote and harsh environments. According to Global Market Insights Inc., the gas turbine industry is anticipated to surpass installations of 90,300 MW worldwide by 2034, indicating the significant applicability of the machines.

Increased focus on Combined Cycle Technology

Combined cycle plants leverage both gas turbines and steam turbines, resulting in enhanced efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional power generation methods. Firstly, they boast higher thermal efficiency, typically ranging from 50% to 60%, which translates into lower fuel consumption and operational costs. These plants maximize energy utilization by capturing the exhaust heat from the gas turbine and utilizing it to generate steam for the steam turbine.

Moreover, combined cycle power plants have a lower environmental footprint compared to conventional fossil fuel-fired power plants. As governments and industries worldwide prioritize energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, the demand for combined-cycle plants is expected to continue growing. 

GE Vernova recently announced the completion of significant upgrades to four 9F.03 class gas turbines at the Sabiya Combined Cycle Power Plant, Kuwait’s largest, located 52 km from Kuwait City. This initiative is a key part of the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy’s broader plan to modernize Kuwait’s power generation infrastructure, reflecting a strategic push by government agencies to increase efficiency and output without additional fuel use.

Oil and Gas Applications Fuel the Market

The oil and gas industry is a significant driver for the gas turbine market, utilizing these powerful machines for critical applications. Gas turbines supplement power generation for offshore platforms, onshore processing facilities, and remote exploration sites. Their compact design, high efficiency, and ability to operate using different fuels make them an ideal choice for demanding environments.

Moreover, gas turbines are extensively employed for compression duties in the transportation of natural gas through pipelines. They can provide high-pressure ratios and handle large flow rates, making them indispensable in this application. Gas turbine-driven compressors ensure the efficient movement of natural gas over vast distances, enabling the distribution of this vital energy resource.

According to reports, O&G applications are expected to o gold over 15.5% of the global gas turbine market during 2024. As the demand for energy rises globally, the sector is expected to rely heavily on these turbines to meet power generation, compression, and pumping requirements. 

Marine Sector Leverages Gas Turbine Advantages

The marine sector is witnessing a higher deployment of gas turbines for propulsion and power generation on different vessels. Gas turbines offer several advantages over traditional diesel engines, including higher power density, lower emissions, and increased fuel efficiency, making them an attractive choice for marine applications.

One of the key drivers for this application is the surging need for high-speed vessels, such as ferries, cruise ships, and other boats. Gas turbines can provide the necessary power and speed required for these vessels, while also reducing their environmental impact. Additionally, the marine industry is under pressure to comply with stringent emission regulations, further driving the adoption of gas turbines as a cleaner alternative to diesel engines.

Australian shipbuilder Austal Limited and Swedish ferry operator Gotlandsbolaget had recently signed a MoU to advance the construction of a gas turbine-powered high-speed catamaran. This ambitious vessel aims to transport up to 1,450 passengers, cargo, and vehicles between the Swedish mainland and the island of Gotland, utilizing combined cycle gas turbines that are both hydrogen-capable and multi-fuel.

The move to integrate these advanced propulsion systems in commercial ferries underscores the increasing reliability on gas turbines as effective drivers for large vessels, which could inspire further adoption in the marine sector.

Gas Turbine Industry Finds Traction in Aviation

The IATA noted that international air traffic increased by over 24% in December 2023 as compared to December 2022 numbers, asserting the boost in air travel post-COVID-19 era. The aviation sector is certainly pegged to record substantial gains if the trend continues. 

Today, the global aviation sector is focusing on efficiency, performance, and environmental sustainability. Gas turbines are powering modern aircraft engines, offering superior thrust-to-weight ratios and fuel efficiency compared to traditional piston engines. One of the key technological advancements in the aviation sector is the introduction of geared turbofan engines, which enable improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise levels. 

In August 2023, Doosan Enerbility Co. entered into a contract with South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) to produce and process turbine vanes and blades, as the former focuses on the layout design and component analysis of aircraft turbofan engines. This deal is an example of turbine manufacturers leveraging their existing gas turbine technology and expertise for the aircraft engine sector.

Airlines and aircraft manufacturers are continuously seeking ways to reduce operational costs and carbon emissions, leading to the development of advanced gas turbine production technologies, including additive manufacturing.  For instance, a collaboration between researchers, led by Professor Stephen Lynch, and colleagues at the University of Wyoming and Penn State University, has led to a breakthrough in manufacturing turbine vanes using 3D-printed ceramics. 

The significant innovation lies in the ability of these 3D-printed ceramics to withstand extreme temperatures within gas turbines, a crucial factor for fuel efficiency. Traditional turbine vanes made from nickel superalloys could be replaced by these ceramic parts, which although capable of withstanding higher temperatures, may not require as much cooling. A leap in material technology directly translates to a potential increase in the fuel efficiency of gas turbines, as the efficiency of a turbine is directly related to the highest temperatures it can operate reliably.

As governments worldwide implement stricter emission standards and promote the adoption of clean energy technologies, the demand for gas turbines is expected to surge. Improvements in turbine design, materials, and manufacturing processes have led to increased efficiency, longer operational lifetimes, and reduced maintenance requirements. 

The global gas turbine market is highly competitive, with several major players vying for the top spots. Some of the key players in this sector include General Electric (GE), Siemens, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ansaldo Energia, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The industry dynamics are also influenced by the growing demand for distributed power generation and the integration of renewable energy sources across Europe. 

Competition from alternative technologies, such as renewable energy sources like wind and solar, also poses a challenge for gas turbine manufacturers. As these technologies become more cost-effective and widely adopted, they may reduce the demand for gas turbine-based power generation, particularly in regions with favorable renewable energy resources. However, gas turbines can be used in combination with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to provide a reliable and continuous power supply.