markeT waTch
praTT & whiTney
The JeT power By Shalinee Bharadwaj
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he Middle East countries are facing serious energy and power generation challenges owing to an ever-increasing demand on the system. With giant construction projects taking off and huge population influx, the region’s authorities have launched several initiatives to resolve these challenges before they disrupt development plans. Power Gen Exhibition 2010 held at the Doha Exhibition Centre is one such effort in this direction providing a platform for discussion on the power issues on a global scale. In an exclusive interview with Chuck Levey, Vice President of Pratt & Whitney Power Systems, Qatar Today sets on the power trail, digging into what the legends of the sector have on offer.
Despite abundance of natural resources, GCC is facing an energy crisis. Where is the lacuna?
Undoubtedly, there is abundance of natural resources in the region but the key element is to convert this resident energy into usable forms so as to support the infrastructure. This process involves various steps, ability to extract the resources, refine them to usable forms, transport to the site of demand and finally its transmission and distribution. Generation and distribution of power are the two elements that need to be focussed upon. Infrastructure development in progressing nations is always ongoing. Balanced forethought and planning is the answer to efficient utilisation of natural resources, critical in supporting the society. Technology is available but selecting the right technology is imminent. Selection of technology again has to be based on its applicability rather than availability of the resources. 88
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How is the energy scenario different in Qatar viz-a-viz power generation? The element of power distribution plays a lesser role in Qatar compared to other GCC nations where land mass is more and the population density is farther apart. One area of business that we support throughout the world particularly in the US and Europe is the ‘peaking market’ where large generation capacity power plants are present but whether there is enough reserve for high load periods or some alternative small generation capacity source to meet the demand that can come online quickly, in case they shut down for maintenance. I don’t see this peaking market in Qatar at present however, as society grows and there is more demand for power capacity, the need for peaking plants grows. It has its obvious benefit – quick startup, they can shut down and start again in little time just like a jet engine and practically can work for hours without any maintenance needs. As the electricity needs of the growing community in Qatar increases there is a need for diversification of energy generation technology.
What is the scope of green energy/sustainable power technologies in Qatar?
It’s a balanced portfolio and a multitude of technologies that operate in the most efficient environment that is needed in order to effectively utilise the nature’s bounties. There is a need for diversification of technologies and their application to truly arrive at the green scene. The governments everywhere in the world need to provide stimulus packages and create incentives that support this balanced approach. Qatar has an abundant renewable energy sources as well and the government also supports green technology. Qatar is well placed in terms of reducing its carbon footprint n
Chuck Levey, Vice President of Pratt & Whitney Power Systems
Pratt & Whitney, one of the most iconic names in aviation history is a part of United Technologies Corp., a Fortune 500 company with businesses in the commercial and aerospace sectors (Otis, Carrier, Hamilton Sunstrand, Sikorsky, UTC Fire & Security and UTC Power). Founded in 1925, Pratt & Whitney has grown to become a $13 billion aerospace company, a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. Their engines power nearly half of the world’s commercial fleet. In the Middle East, Pratt & Whitney Power Systems has been providing power generation since 1970s. One of the company’s first major projects was when PWPS FT4s were chosen to power ARAMCO pipelines in Saudi Arabia. SwiftPacs also power the Sharjah electricity and water authority. PWPS units have been installed in oil and gas installations as well as power facilities throughout the Middle East region.
Qatar Today November 10
11/1/10 7:46:05 PM