News: PowerTALK

2021-07-27

ENGIE EPS Acquisition May Create Euro-Asian Powerhouse

Erik Martin
Erik Martin

TAIPEI–The acquisition of a 60.5% stake in ENGIE EPS by Taiwan Cement Corporation (TCC) was finalized and completed in July.

The deal, which was announced in April, saw the Italy-headquartered stationary storage and e-mobility solutions subsidiary of French multinational Engie taken over by TCC subsidiary Taiwan Cement Europe Holdings.

What both parties get out of the deal

In a press release, TCC said it has now become a “major player” in electric vehicle charging infrastructure as well as its newly acquired capabilities in building large-scale battery storage systems and microgrids.

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Tupy Developing Efficient Hydrogen Powered Engine

Fabio Ferraresi
Fabio Ferraresi

Brazilian Tupy is working with AVL and Westport Fuel Systems to develop a high efficiency ICE powered by Hydrogen, targeting long haul Trucks. Tupy supplies superior materials casting and high precision machining for high pressure injection engines designed and tested by AVL and Westport. First outcomes of the work are expected at the beginning of 2022.

Source: Automotive Business     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: With the Zero Emissions target and the need for efficient fuel that allow short time for refueling or recharging, Hydrogen looks promising. It can be either used as a source for electricity with the Fuel Cells or burned in the engine combined with other fuel or alone, as in this initiative. It is still preliminary and depending on the results, it may be the salvation for many companies in the ICE supply chain. PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development-South America, for Power Systems Research

Strong Post-pandemic Growth Expected into 2022-23 for North America

Yosyf Sheremeta
Yosyf Sheremeta

SUMMARY.  After the GDP declined 3.5% last year, the worst performance in almost 75 years, the US economy is set for a strong comeback.  There are many reasons to be optimistic about the economy for the next few years, including strong readings of macro-economic factors combined with the economic cycle reset backed by government initiatives and policies.

Our positive outlook is based on the reviews of key economic indicators, including GDP, unemployment, and inflation. 

During H1 2021, we witnessed a strong level of activities and a rebound for many industries.  As local governments eased lockdown restrictions, service-oriented industries gained traction and that translated to an overall increase of economic activities across many industries. 

We expect this level of rebound to continue and we now expect even stronger overall growth for 2021.  The US economy is on track to reach or even surpass the growth level of 1984 – the highest one since 1950s.  In the near term, consumer spending will help drive demand and support the strong growth trend.

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DATAPOINT: NA Excavators, 2021 Production: 19,900 Units

19,900 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Excavators to be produced in North America in 2021.

This information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

Market Share: With combined plant totals of 47.5% Caterpillar leads in production of excavators in North America.  In second position is Doosan Bobcat with 22%; third, is Deere-Hitachi with 14.5%.  

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Edge Computing Helps Connect America

John Krzesicki
John Krzesicki

Cities, nationally and globally, are embarking on innovative efforts to harness the benefits of rapidly emerging technologies to improve citizens’ quality of life, increase operational efficiency, and enhance economic vitality and sustainability.

These efforts often involve changing the nature of data storage and transfer, primarily by moving these steps from data storage “clouds” to local data centers closer to the  application.

Since Power Systems Research began tracking global equipment manufacturers in 1976, its analysts have been aware of new technologies and electrification trends such as these which can affect future markets. Today, we’re closely following these changes in data transfer and storage.

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2021-06-27

GWM Opens Smart factory in Thailand, Renovates GM’s Factory

Akihiro Komuro
Akihiro Komuro

China’s Great Wall Motor (GWM) has announced the official opening of a plant in Thailand. The company acquired the plant from General Motors (GM) in 2020 and has been working to make it smarter by installing advanced AI-based equipment. It is the company’s first smart factory to be opened in Southeast Asia. The amount of investment for the renovation has not been disclosed, but the company has indicated that it plans to invest 22.6 billion baht (about 79 billion yen) in Thailand.

The production capacity is 80,000 units per year, and it is expected to produce HVs first. In the future, the plant will also produce EVs. The company plans to allocate 60% of the vehicles produced to the Thai domestic market and 40% for export to neighboring countries in Southeast Asia and Australia.

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SK Plans To Develop Hydrogen Base in Ulsan

South Korea’s SK Group has announced plans to build a 140,000 square meter hydrogen fuel base in Ulsan. A liquid hydrogen production plant will be built, and a hydrogen-fueled power plant will also be constructed.

With the participation of Lotte Chemical, the project aims to promote the accumulation of hydrogen-related industries in the city. SK Gas will be the main proponent of the project. The company plans to invest 2.2 trillion won (about 216 billion yen) over the next five years to build infrastructure for the generation, storage, and transportation of hydrogen energy in anticipation of its widespread use, and has also announced plans to build 100 hydrogen filling stations in South Korea by 2030.

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Komatsu and Honda Plan To Jointly Develop Electric Excavator

Komatsu has announced that it plans to develop an electric excavator in cooperation with Honda and bring the product to the market during FY2021. The two companies will also jointly develop electric excavators up to the 1-ton class and will also collaborate on services such as battery replacement for construction equipment.

Source: The Nikkei

PSR Analysis: As mentioned in the April issue of PowerTALK™ News, four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki, have agreed to share the same battery specifications for electric motorcycles. The joint development announced this time will benefit from Honda’s knowledge from its extensive battery research. The interchangeable type has the advantage of shortening the waiting time for recharging, which is an advantage for construction equipment. Japan’s small construction equipment is highly regarded worldwide, and Komatsu must be looking to expand overseas. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research

Rostselmash Starts Building Tractor Plant in Rostov-Don

Maxim Sakov
Maxim Sakov

Russia’s largest maker of AG machines – Rostselmash Group of Companies – in July 2021 starts construction of a tractor plant located near Rostselmash’s main production site. Rostselmash plans to invest US$ 66 million (5 Bln Rubles).

Construction must be completed within two years, and the plant will reach its annual production capacity of 3,000 units in 2023.

The plant will consist of a production building of 62,000 sq. meters, and a building for engineering and commercial departments. Total territory of new plant will reach 14 hectares. Rostselmash plans to assemble five tractor models with rigid and articulated frame.

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Aurus Car Powered by Hydrogen Created in Russia

NAMI (Automorive Research Institute) has developed a prototype Aurus car powered by hydrogen fuel, according to Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Manturov during the launch of mass production of the Aurus Senat model. According to the minister, this is the only project in the world in the premium car segment.

The price of base Aurus car will be US$ 240,000 (18 million Rubles). Next year it’s planned to start mass production of Aurus Commendant SUV.

Mass production just started in Elabuga. Production capacity of the plant is up to 5,000 cars per year.

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PSR Analysis: Aurus is a top luxury car model, developed in Russia by NAMI. It’s used by the Russian president and top State officials during protocol events, including parades, ceremonial receptions and visits. It has a look similar to the Rolls-Royce Phantom and is equipped with a domestic hybrid 600 hp motor. It’s unknown whether the hydrogen modification will come to serial production. PSR

Maxim Sakov is Market Consultant-Russia Operations for Power Systems Research