Assessment and Vulnerabilities

Manufacturing Bottlenecks

This study examines the expected surge in demand for plants and equipment necessary for the extraction, conversion and delivery of energy and identifies potential shortfalls in the manufacturing of vital new system elements. There is a very recent history of decreasing supply and capability in key components such as turbines, petro-chemical and nuclear reaction vessels, transmission cables, high-tech lighting, etc. An examination of supplies of materials, including special alloys and construction materials, needed to manufacture these key elements of the energy infrastructure, will also be examined, along with policies and investments to assure that the capability is available to meet projected needs. A report is planned early in 2010.