PUBLISHER: Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1378090
PUBLISHER: Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1378090
A steam turbine is a turbine that converts the thermal energy that is released by pressurized steam into rotational mechanical energy. It is a particular kind of turbine that uses the high-pressure and high-temperature steam produced by a steam generator or boiler and functions on the impulse and reaction principle. Steam turbines are used in large-scale power generation facilities such as fossil fuel power plants, nuclear power plants, concentrated solar power plants, and other industrial applications. Because of their great effectiveness, dependability, and capacity to operate in a variety of steam conditions, steam turbines are a common option for generating electricity.
The focus on energy-efficient heating systems to reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions is rising. District heating systems or heat networks are centralized heating systems that supply heat to multiple buildings or an entire neighbourhood from a central energy plant. Steam turbines are used in district heating systems, which provide centralized heat distribution to residential and commercial buildings. Overall, the use of waste heat in industrial operations and district heating systems drives the development of the steam turbine market.
Systems for producing renewable energy, such as concentrated solar power (CSP) facilities use steam turbines. According to Renewables 2022 by IEA, the capacity of renewable energy worldwide is predicted to increase by 2,400 GW between 2022 and 2027. Further, by early 2025, renewable energy is expected to surpass coal as the primary source of electricity, accounting for almost 90% of the growth in global electricity over the following five years. Steam turbines are used to incorporate renewable energy into the power grid. Hence, the increasing capacity of renewable energy is expected to propel the demand for the steam turbine market.
Further, the growth of steam turbine technology is still being fueled by ongoing improvements like increased efficiency, superior materials, and sophisticated control systems. Higher power output, enhanced performance, and greater plant efficiency are the results of these developments.
Construction of steam turbine power plants or industrial facilities requires a sizable initial expenditure. Steam turbines have expensive capital expenditures because they require intricate engineering and specialized components. Thus, implementing steam turbine technology may be monetarily difficult, especially for smaller-scale applications. Furthermore, steam turbines, especially the big ones used in power plants, requires a lot of space and infrastructure to sustain them. It can be difficult to build steam turbine facilities when considering factors like land availability, cooling water sources, and transmission infrastructure, especially in heavily populated areas.
Steam turbines are made to function best at a particular pressure and temperature for the steam. Variations in steam conditions, such as shifts in pressure or temperature, can have an impact on the turbine's functionality and effectiveness. For optimal power generation, stable steam conditions must be maintained which might limit the market growth.
The power and energy segment is expected to account for a major market share.
Steam turbines are widely utilized in thermal power plants, including those that are fuelled by coal, gas, and oil. The turbines are propelled by the steam produced during the burning of fossil fuels or nuclear reactions, which rotates generators to create power. IEA expected a 4.5% increase in global electricity demand in 2021. The need for power production technologies like steam turbines is fuelled by the rising demand for electricity on a global scale, which is being driven by population increase, industrialization, and urbanization. The need for efficient and reliable power generation is expected to drive the steam turbine market growth.
The steam turbine market has been expanding significantly in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China and India. The energy demand has been driven by rapid industrialization and population growth, which has led to the development of new power plants and an increase in the number of steam turbine installations.
Leading producers of steam turbines in China include firms like Shanghai Electric Group, Harbin Electric Corporation, and Dongfang Electric Corporation, which serve both domestic and foreign markets. Additionally, nations with substantial manufacturing bases in the steam turbine sector include Japan and South Korea, both of which have cutting-edge technology.
A mature steam turbine market exists in both North America and Europe, with an emphasis on integrating renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. There is a sizable installed base of steam turbines, particularly in nations like Germany, the UK, and Russia. European businesses are actively engaged in the development of cutting-edge steam turbine solutions and have a wealth of knowledge in high-efficiency steam turbine technology. On the other hand, the United States and Canada have placed a greater emphasis on renewable energy sources has also been seen in the area, which has led to the integration of steam turbines with renewable power facilities.