05.10.2011 GE Press center
As It Convenes a Global EPC Summit Meeting, GE Reveals Advanced Technologies and Initiatives that are Building a Cleaner, More Productive Energy Future on Six Continents
GE (NYSE: GE) today revealed details of innovations it’s been working on to redefine how the world generates, moves and consumes energy. As GE executives and engineers shared ideas with leaders of top engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies, they showcased several recent breakthroughs that are changing how GE customers perform their core business functions. The advanced technologies are a direct result of in-depth customer relationships GE is building to create solutions that meet customer needs and objectives.
GE made the announcements at its Global Summit of EPC leaders taking place this week in Florence, Italy. EPC companies are the primary builders and designers of power plants and major energy projects worldwide.
“Manufacturers, builders, utilities and industrial companies have been talking about re-imagining electricity for decades. GE and its EPC partners are turning the discussion into deliverables,” said Keiran Coulton, president, Global Industries, GE Energy. “Since the strength of our EPC relationships is one of the keys to our success in re-thinking and revitalizing infrastructure, we thought it was fitting to share details from some recent breakthroughs with our partners here this week.”
EPC companies are becoming increasingly important in the worldwide efforts to modernize energy infrastructure, power emerging economies and meet our ever-increasing need for electricity. As engineering and application experts, they can objectively choose innovators and specialists to help design the right solution for each individual energy challenge.
The project details GE shared with its EPC audience included new technologies, applications and research initiatives to drive cleaner, more productive energy that can meet needs for increased capacity, efficiency, reliability and flexibility.
PKN Orlen Cleaning Up in Plastics
GE Engineers devised an automated anti-fouling system to help plastics manufacturers slash their energy costs, reduce downtime, increase profitability and improve product quality. The engineering and automation solution is currently in demonstration at PKN Orlen in Poland, one of the world’s leading ethylene manufacturers.
William Grant & Sons Distilling Greener Scotch
At William Grant & Sons’ Girvan, Scotland distillery, GE is delivering a combined heat and power solution that increases efficiency, reduces carbon output and recycles waste. Biogas from residual distillation materials powers GE’s efficient Jenbacher gas engine that generates on-site power at the Girvan distillery and recovers the heat for plant use while converting exhaust heat into steam used in the distilling process.