The Energy Technology (ET) practice offers technical and financial analysis services for the
energy industry spanning R&D, feasibility studies, project management, policy, and strategic planning. We understand the linkages between energy use and the environment, and
our energy solutions place high value on environmentally sustainable approaches to meeting client requirements, balancing this approach with careful consideration of critical financial
constraints. Major focus areas include: (1) technology assessment and feasibility studies; (2) advanced energy technology development; and (3) project implementation and policy analysis.
Technology Assessment/Feasibility Studies
Nexant experts are at the forefront of developments in clean energy technologies. We have extensive experience in evaluating project cash flows and developing conceptual designs, cost estimates, and implementation plans for commercial plants. We have conducted numerous assessment studies of carbon capture technologies, clean coal units, gasification of waste streams, gas-to-liquids projects, and clean fuels technologies, as well as alternative energy technologies such as solar, wind, and biomass.
Advanced Energy Technology Development
Our advanced energy specialists have substantial new technology development experience. For example, we have worked with new carbon capture technologies using both hydrates and chilled ammonia as a separation tool. Additionally, we have also developed design templates for coal gasification and gas-to-liquids plants. Our previous development efforts include pioneering work on major renewable energy and fuel cell technology projects.
Project Implementation and Policy Analysis
By combining our knowledge of policy and finance with strong technical expertise in designing and implementing energy technology programs, we help our clients gain maximum leverage from using new technologies with existing energy infrastructure and energy producers. Our hands-on experience with new and existing energy technologies, coupled with our sensitivity to the differing perspectives and needs of the financial community, project developers, and end-users, has contributed significantly to our successful global track record in project management and implementation.
Technologies that the Energy Technology team has expertise in include:
- Gasification of biomass, coal, petroleum coke, and heavy residue to make transportation fuels, chemicals, and power
- Direct liquefaction of heavy residue and coal into liquid fuels for transportation
- Mild gasification or pyrolysis of coal to make metallurgy coke and liquid fuels
- Renewable power generation (central solar receiver, solar trough, PV, wind, mini-hydro, geothermal, and tidal/ocean waves)
- Conversion of remote natural gas and oil field associated gas into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, methanol, and ethanol
- CO2 capture and sequestration from power plant flue gas and syngas
- Oil shale retorting and upgrading to make gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel
- Gas turbine (industry turbines and aero-derivative turbines) combined cycles
- Micro-turbines, fuel cells, gas engines, and absorption chillers for distributed power generation and district heating/cooling
- Hydrogen production, delivery, distribution, storage, and dispensing
- Emission control from power plants, refineries, and chemical production plants
- Coal combustion, boilers, and steam turbines
Current work focus is in the Clean Fossil, Renewables, and Carbon Management areas.
Energy Technology Personnel
Many of the key staff members of ET practice were previously employed at Bechtel. Based on the knowledge and experience of actual plant engineering and construction accumulated in this previous association, the ET practice can inject realism and practicality in providing technology assessment and consulting services to various clients.
Consultants in the ET practice are frequently commissioned as outsourced research and development staff for companies seeking specific next generation energy technology expertise and solutions. The ET practice continues to benefit from an increased global focus on the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the need to use coal cleanly, and the need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
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Tan-Ping Chen
Senior Vice President, Energy Technology
Tel: +1 415 369 1077
Email: tpchen@nexant.com
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