Power Generation Week combined five events into one major event Dec. 6-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Covering every aspect of the power generation industry, POWER-GEN International, Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America, NUCLEAR POWER International, COAL-GEN and GenForum converged to provide more than 22,000 attendees with pre-conference workshops, technical tours, more than 70 conference sessions, panel discussions, three exhibition days and multiple networking events.

A major topic of discussion at PowerGen International 2015 was the increased use of renewables and lost coal-fired capacity in the U.S., which require gas-fired power plants to be more flexible and more reliable than ever. In a growing trend, North American utilities are considering upgrades for their gas plants to balance the intermittency of renewable energy. Some turbine manufacturers have introduced new technologies that allow power plants to start up and shut down at different times, rather than running continuously.

One session, “CHP Trends in North America,” explored how combined heat and power (CHP), or cogeneration, is a highly efficient, reliable and resilient manner of generating power. Though not a new method of power generation, there is a renewed interest in CHP across the industry, thanks in part to low natural gas prices, tougher emissions standards and a presidential executive order.

CHP plants recycle waste heat produced during power generation. By capturing and using or selling that waste heat, CHP plants can achieve near twice the efficiency as conventional power stations while also producing half the emissions.

“Options to Maximize Value of Existing Coal Plants,” explored the stricter environmental regulations and aging facilities that have prompted power producers to retire a substantial amount of coal-fired capacity in the U.S. Much of that capacity is being replaced with natural gas, which is cleaner and now more affordable than years past. By converting coal-fired boilers to natural gas, plant operators avoid having to add costly emissions control equipment or closing the plant altogether.

Experts expect the cost of solar power generation to continue falling as it has in recent years. With more than two dozen gigawatts of solar projects in various stages of development across the U.S., utility-scale solar generation is nearly tantamount to fossil fuel-fired generation. However, while the market has room for growth, says Katherine Gensler, director of government affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the expiration of federal investment tax credits at the end of 2016 has created uncertainly in the industry. This was the topic of the panel, “The Impact of Explosive PV Growth on the Operating Profiles of Traditional Geneartion.”

Of course, Empowering Pumps sponsors were well represented among the more than 1,400 exhibitors for PowerGen International.

• A.W. Chesterton – Since 1884 Chesterton has been implementing value added solutions for the Power Industry worldwide. Solutions for nuclear, fossil and gas-fired plants include boiler feed water and steam sealing in pumps and valves, advanced reinforced repair coatings, lubricants and cleaners.
• Danfoss High Pressure Pumps – The Danfoss High Pressure Pump Division has pioneered the development of axial piston pumps for demanding hydraulics applications in a broad range of industries. Today, Danfoss is world leader in axial piston pump technology for pumps made of stainless steel and carbon-reinforced PEEK, bringing all the advantages of positive displacement pumps to applications that require liquid at high pressure.
• Fairbanks Morse Engine – Fairbanks Morse Engine is the critical power solutions expert for application-specific, fuel-flexible power systems that deliver optimal performance. Applications include power generation and emergency back-up power for multiple applications.
• Fuji Electric Corp of America – A globally renowned Steam Turbine Generator manufacturer, Fuji Electric offers equipment of exceptional quality in a wide range of generating capacities. Fuji delivers superior solutions that satisfy your power generation needs.
• General Rubber Corporation – A leader in the design and manufacture of non-metallic expansion joints. General Rubber’s engineering staff with FEA capabilities, domestic ISO9001 facility and high performance products uniquely qualifies them to bring innovative solutions to demanding applications.
• KSB, Inc. – KSB, Inc. is your one partner for pumps and valves.  As a global supplier of engineered critical service pumps and valves for the power generation industry as well as general service and hot thermal pumps for industrial processes, KSB will have a sound solution to your needs.
• Ludeca, Inc. – Ludeca is a leading provider of preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance solutions including machinery laser alignment, vibration analysis and balancing equipment, as well as related software, rentals, services and training.
• Lutz Jesco America Corp – Lutz-Jesco America Corp. is one of the leading manufacturers of chemical feed technology and related equipment, with a complete line of chemical metering pumps.
• Proco Products – The industry’s widest selection of flexible connectors, expansion joints, penetrations seals and rubber ProFlex™ check valves are available from Proco Products, Inc. With the largest inventory in North America, Proco offers the most complete line of expansion joints and ProFlex™check valves in the industry. Available in a wide selection of elastomers and designs, Proco can supply what you need for various temperatures, pressures, chemicals, and equipment applications.
• Schneider Electric – Schneider Electric is a global specialist in energy management and automation. Schneider Electric provides customers with technologies that optimize operational performance, utilizing solutions that monitor and control automated processes to maximize safety, efficiency, and reliability.
• WEG Electric Corp. – Founded in 1961, WEG has grown into a global solutions provider of industrial electrical technologies. Committed to growth on a global scale, WEG continually invests in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and processes, and the development of new and improved industrial electrical solutions. WEG offers a diverse and integrated product line that includes motors, drives, controls, transformers, and generators.