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Our Future Energy Needs
Nickel magazine, October 2002 -- Supplying the electricity that drives our global economy is a
complex business. There is more pressure on industry to generate electricity efficiently (with a minimum of
waste) and in a manner that is environmentally responsible (by decreasing the emissions of greenhouse
gases). High nickel alloys and other superalloys often have the great advantage of maintaining their strength
and being resistant to corrosion at high temperatures, which is why they figure prominently in most of the
technologies used today by power-generating companies. As reported in this issue, the direction the industry
is taking suggests demand for nickel-containing alloys is likely to increase in accordance with the demand
for electricity-generating capacity.
Consider the new flue gas desulphurization units being developed in the United States. The rate at which
these units are being constructed requires massive amounts of high nickel alloys, according to Robert
McIlvaine, an expert who tracks air pollution control markets worldwide. For a full report on his
prognostications and the implications they have for nickel click here.
Whereas today's power-generating technology requires heat- and corrosion-resistant materials, including a
range of widely used nickel alloys, the new high-efficiency, near-zero-emission power plants envisioned for
the near-future require materials that do not yet even exist. These technologies, collectively referred to as
advanced energy systems, include coal-fired ultra-supercritical (USC) steam cycles, combined cycle systems
based on gasification (IGCC) and fluid bed combustion (PFBC), indirect fired cycles (HiPPS slagging furnace)
and waste-to-energy plants. Each is unique, though all will be characterized by substantially higher thermal
efficiencies than are found in today's commercial plants.
The temperatures of hot gases generated in these plants will be significantly higher than they are today.
Therefore, there will be a greater need for materials that have the strength and heat- and
corrosion-resistance necessary for long-term, reliable service at such temperatures. The research and
development of these materials are a multi-national, multi-million-dollar undertaking.
Several joint government/industry initiatives in Europe, Japan and the U.S. are aimed at finding and testing
new materials for advanced energy systems. Many of the materials contain nickel, and the technical challenges
facing researchers in this area are daunting. To meet them, it is essential that researchers from around the
world congregate and share their knowledge. A recent workshop in the U.K. provided such a forum, and our
consultant, Gerry Sorell, was there to assess their findings. His report can be found here.
One particularly promising area for electricity-generating companies is fuel cell technology, though here,
as well, there is no shortage of obstacles and challenges. In particular, researchers are faced with finding
a safe and reliable method of storing bulky, potentially hazardous hydrogen gas. Fortunately, Shell is
preparing for this new "hydrogen economy" by teaming up with two other companies to develop advanced hydrogen
storage devices, in which nickel metal hydrides figure prominently. A report on this initiative can be found
here.
What this all points to is the essential role that nickel-containing materials are playing to ensure that
our energy needs continue to be met.
pwhiteway@nidi.org
Editor
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