FORTUM JOINS STP

The Finnish energy group Fortum has joined a European Strategic Technology Programme (STP) set up by UK-based EA Technology as a forum for sharing knowledge, research and development resources. EA recently set up STPs in Australia and New Zealand. Its intention is to try and establish an international network of these groups.

LINUX SIMULATOR

The Canadian company CAE has launched simulation software for power plants that runs on the Linux operating system. The open source operating environment is gaining an increasing following around the world as an alternative to Windows NT or UNIX.

Development of the Linux application began early last year in collaboration with Entergy’s Pilgrim nuclear power station in Plymouth Massachusetts.

GRID DEAL

Engineering consultants PB Power have secured a two-year framework deal with National Grid in the UK for the provision of project management and engineering design services. Under the deal PB Power could provide individual consultants to augment project development and delivery teams or provide complete project management and design service using PB teams. The new agreement, following a formal tendering process, includes an option to extend the contract for two years.

SNCR FOR USA

Mitsui Babcock has introduced its enhanced selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system for nitrogen oxides, called C-NCR, into the North American marketplace. The company has retained Fossil Energy Research Corp and Californian consultants HERA LCC to assist in the product launch. Mitsui Babcock will continue to offer its established low NOx burner technologies.

PANTELLOS SELECTION

Pantellos, a company which is setting itself up to provide e-supply solutions to the electric, natural gas distribution, natural gas pipeline and other energy sectors, has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers as its preferred consultant. Pantellos’ target is a slice of theNorth American utility and energy supply market, worth an estimated $130 billion.

FINNS BUY DANISH

Fortum Energi A/S, the Danish subsidiary of Finnish group Fortum Energy is negotiating joint ownership of Danish electricity supplier Gron Synergi A/S with Nordostfyns Elforsyning, which currently holds all the shares. Fortum is hoping to take a 40 per cent stake, with negotiations completed by February 2001. The deal would give Fortum direct access to Danish customers while providing Gron Synergi with a partner to develop its interests in the liberalised Danish electricity market.

SELCO’S FIRST 10 000

The Solar Electric Light Company, with companies in India, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, is approaching 10 000 sales for its solar home systems aimed mainly at markets in developing countries. The $500-$700 units have outputs from 35W to 75W, sufficient to operate household electronic equipment and to provide lighting. Sales of the units are supported by ‘solar loans’ from commercial banks and agricultural societies, the World Bank, and other financial institutions.

GE buys out ENTER

GE Power Systems has acquired the remaining shares in GE Enter Software following its acquisition of 51 per cent of the company, then known as Enter Software Inc, In July 1999. The company develops power plant design, optimisation and performance software; its product Efficiency Map is a strong seller.