Energy systems are undergoing fundamental changes across the world, driven by three key trends: decarbonisation, decentralisation and digitalisation. Decentralised power generation, intelligent power grids, overall system integration, unconventional fuels and, of course, renewable energy sources (RES) are at the top of the energy agenda. On a global scale the pressing needs to cut CO2 emissions as well as local air pollution is resulting in an accelerated phase-out of coal-fired power plants and increased investments in clean energy technologies. Digital solutions are being developed and become available on a widespread basis, transforming energy systems to make them smarter, more reliable, more interconnected, safer and, above all, more efficient.

Despite the renewable boom, it is foreseen (e.g. by the International Energy Agency (IEA)) that conventional gas-fired power generation, currently the largest gas-consuming sector worldwide, will continue to play a strategic role. It will provide a reliable and cost effective, dispatchable power source to respond to peaks in demand and when intermittent renewable sources are not available, and its underlying technology can also provide carbon neutral solutions for power generation and mechanical drive in the longer term.

More information can be found in ETN’s latest R&D Recommendation Report, which involved experts from research institutes and universities, OEMs, suppliers and the user community. The report  includes recommendations on key research topics of gas turbine development based on the current market outlook and the users’ demand. The full report can be downloaded here.