Electric Power Generation

Electric Power Generation

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in this industry operate electric power generation facilities that convert other forms of energy, such as fossil fuels, nuclear, water, wind, and solar power, into electrical energy. Major companies include AES, American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Exelon, and Tennessee Valley Authority (all based in the US), along with China Datang Corporation and China Huaneng Group (both based in China), EON (Germany), Inter RAO (Russia), and TEPCO (Japan).

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

While deregulation has altered power markets in many nations, electric utilities often continue to operate as unofficial monopolies in a given service territory. Demand is driven by commercial, government, and residential needs for electrical power, which depend mainly on economic activity and population growth. Profitability is determined by government regulations, efficiency, and fuel costs. Large companies have an advantage in negotiating fuel contracts and being able to pass the costs of implementing government regulations directly to consumers. Small companies can compete effectively by exploiting market niches, such as offering green power in regulated markets. The US industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 80% of revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

The primary product of the industry is alternating current (AC) electrical power. Electricity is produced by generators that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy when large coils are rotated in a powerful magnetic field. Most commercial power comes from turbine engines powered by steam produced by burning fossil fuels, mainly coal and natural...