Technology Status - NET Nowak Energie & Technologie AG

front capital costs are written off (usually over 15 to 20 years), the plant can
provide power at even lower cost, as such systems commonly last for
50 years or more without major maintenance or operating costs.
● Industry
Many parts of the SHP manufacturing industry are connected to other
sectors, e.g. manufacturers of generators, gear boxes, electrical control
equipment and hydraulic equipment. These manufacturers’ products are
normally standard and thus, unlike water turbines, can be mass-produced.
The invention of the water turbine in France led to the development of the
modern hydropower industry. European manufacturers led the field in the
development and manufacturing of water turbines, and exported the
technology to other regions. One important reason for European leadership
in this area in the past has been the strong domestic market. However, this
situation may change, as future growth potential is likely to be stronger
outside Europe.
At the end of the 20th century the SHP turbine manufacturing industry is
made up of about 175 small water turbine manufacturers worldwide,
employing a total of around 25,000 people. Four major multinationals
dominate the market for larger turbines. The market for plants generating
0.5-5 MW is more open and includes smaller companies from North America
and Asia. In particular, Chinese industry is expected to play a significant role
in the future SHP market. Table 4 indicates the number of turbine
manufacturers in different regions of the world. Many of these companies
also produce equipment for large hydraulic plants.
Table 4
Small-Scale Water Turbine Manufacturers with Export Capability
Region Number of SHP turbine
manufacturers
Europe 70
North America 40
Asia 30
Oceania 20
South America 15
Sources: EurObserv’ER; BlueAGE ESHA study, Lorenzoni et al. (2000).
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SMALL HYDROPOWER
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