Re: Eskom

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the respones, it sounds as though NZ is in a similar fix to the UK regarding future energy requirements; many of our nukes are nearing the end of their lives and AFAIK there has been no decision on how to replace them. Popular feeling is still very much against nukes, we have run out of space for hydro schemes, wind turbines are unpopular. Current coal burning technology does not meet Kyoto protocol. Interesting times lie ahead...

Is geothermal much used as an energy source in NZ?

To tackle the easy question first, here are some of my favourite nuke sites, WANO contains links to all the nuclear generators, which should be enough links to keep you busy for a while. Or at least until I can find some answers to your other questions, I am not very familiar with the process side of conventional plant so it might take a while.

World Nuclear Association <a href="http://www.world-nuclear.org/">http://www.world-nuclear.org/</a>

International Atomic Energy Agency <a href="http://www.iaea.org/worldatom/">http://www.iaea.org/worldatom/</a>

World Association of Nuclear Operators <a href="http://www.wano.org.uk/">http://www.wano.org.uk/</a>

Mitsui Babcock are involved with developing NOX reduction technology and multi-fuel burners. I have done some minor mechanical design on the test rig at Renfrew associated with these projects. I think most of them are at the commercially sensitive stage, but I will try to find out what is now publically available.

I am sure other companies are developing similar technologies, but they tend not to publish detailed information.

Barbara

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Thanks Barbara

had a good look around the Eskom site and found some interesting stuff. NZ is in a bit of a tangle energy wise - increasing demand, compliance with Kyoto protocol,no nukes, and fairly strong environmental resistance to further hydro development. The next generation increment will therefore probably be decided by consensus/committee.Its likely to be ( if the consents are granted or waived) 6 small hydros just up the road from where I
live; I think it has gone to Bechtel if the consents are granted or waived, so there should be plenty of post-commissioning work for me. My work at the moment is nearly all pumps, liquid pipework, construction, commissioning and fix-upping although I did get overseas earlier this year to DD a brace of hydro stations for a prospective buyer. My interest in conventional thermal generation is what the current state of the art is. Anyone running gas turbines on coal dust yet? Pressures,temperatures, final stage blade lengths FGD, NOx suppression techniques etc etc.
One specific question concerns oxygen scavenging of feedwater. Hydrazine is no longer permitted in some countries (its carcinogenic), and sodium sulphite does not appear to be as effective, resulting in superheater difficulties. What do your guys use as the scavenger? Any problems? I have never even seen a nuke, let alone worked on one. Any web sites showing the state of play of nukes? Received on Mon Nov 03 04:38:00 2003