Dr. Frank Chu

GLG News^SM Analyses by Frank Chu

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Competition Intensifies as Chinese Manufacturer Launches 6 MW Wind Turbine

May 30, 2011

Analysis of:Sinovel Makes China's First 6-Megawatt Turbine, Xinhua Says | dt3.bnef.com

The first 6 MW unit by Sinovel, world's second largest wind turbine manufacturer, is off the assembly line and becomes China's biggest turbine for wind power generation.  This signals the begining of a new period which consolidation of wind equipment suppliers in China is accelerating and competition among the world's major wind turbine manufacturers is intensifying to capture the off-shore wind market with large capacity units

Japan needs major power grid investment after the quake

April 18, 2011

While Japan focuses on bringing the crippled nuclear reactors to cold shutdown, the longer term effort would be to restore adequate power for the reconstruction. With many nuclear reactors in the eastern grid out of action, it is estimated there may be up to a 9,000 MW capacity shortage during this summer and for the next several years until new supplies are installed. This calls for a rebuild of Japan’s power grid to deal with the flexible generation mix. Major investments are needed in this effort to adopt new technologies such as high power electronics and dc technologies which can solve Japan’s fragmented grid issue (50/60 Hz) and to restore the grid quickly after natural disasters.

Will China’s Nuclear Power Expansion Plan Affected by Japan’s Disaster?

March 15, 2011

As China is on a nuclear expansion program with 28 reactors totaling 30,000 MW under construction and up to 80,000 MW planned for 2010, Japan’s nuclear disaster has caused concerns in China.  Uranium and power equipment suppliers, both domestic and foreign, are prepared to benefit from China’s nuclear expansion but will now have to watch for any signs of a change in course. The only official statements so far are from the a news briefing by the Environmental Ministry that no radiation from Japan is detected, and that China will learn from the Japan’s experience but will not change the course of its nuclear program.

China State Grid's Brazil power asset purchase likely a win-win deal

December 23, 2010

Analysis of:China State Grid buys Brazil power assets for $1bn | www.powergenworldwide.com

China State Grid’s acquisition of Brazilian power asset is more significant and strategic than the $3.5 billion acquisition of Philippine’s national grid in 2009. The synergy of China and Brazil’s power structure make the partnership a likely win-win situation for the two emerging economies which will rely heavily on remote hydroelectric power to fuel its industry in the coming decades.  Whether such acquisition will lead to profit remains to be seen.  However, the strategic benefits are apparent. No doubt, the Brazilian acquisition may be followed by many other  investments by China State Grid or other SOEs.

The Financial and Technical Challenges Facing Wind Developers in China

April 4, 2010

Analysis of:China became top wind power mkt in 2009 - consultant | in.news.yahoo.com

Despite Denmark BTM Consult’s report that China has become the world's largest wind turbine market, with 13,000 MW new installed in 2009, there are signs that wind developers and equipment vendors are facing increasing financial and technical challenges. Cautionary remarks from government sources and power system planners have casted doubt whether a high growth rate can be maintained.

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