Microturbine technology is an emerging technology aiming for small scale, on-site power and
heat generation applications. Producers realize they have a technology with high performance
potential but have difficulties in finding users that values the advantages that microturbines
can offer. Therefore the purpose of this thesis is to analyze the microturbine networks and
niches in Europe and the U.S., and discuss future niche strategies. A niche is defined as a
protected space where the selection criterias of users and producers are different from
established markets. The following research questions are answered:
• What do the present microturbine networks look like, in terms of technological,
institutional, user, and producer relational dimensions?
o How are networks and niches functioning and developing and what factors
influence the development?
• What are the visions, expectations, and strategies of actors in the networks?
o From a niche management perspective, are microturbine actors using effective
strategies?
The review highlights that regulatory forces favour large scale, combined heat and power
alternatives in general. Energy institutions and several energy organisations are promoting
internal combustion engines for general small scale heat and power generation, but envision
microturbines as a promising alternative in waste utilisation applications. Microturbine
producers in general have small, volatile and narrowly focused networks. The main
competition, reciprocating engine producers have well established and diversified networks,
aiming at the same niches as microturbines. There are some diversified actors, such as
General Electric, being present in all small scale, on site niches with several alternative
technologies to microturbines as well as reciprocating engines.
The analysis of the networks highlights some general factors influencing the development of
the microturbine networks and niches. The main blocking factors are found in utility rates and
prices set by current energy utility providers, as well as volatility and general increase in
natural gas prices. Another blocking factor comes from the lack of interconnection standards
and infrastructural issues for providing the fuel needed for the small scale units. The niche management evaluation in the analysis highlights the following issues;
• Producer networks are weak and diverse, with only one actor having extensive
linkages in both distribution and development.
• Producer- institutional (state) linkages are strong in the U.S., but focus is mainly on
R&D.
• User- producer linkages are weak, and most potential users need much education
about benefits and values.
• Partnerships and information sharing organisations play a key role in spreading
outcomes and insights to a wider community, which is an active practice in the U.S.,
but not in Europe.
• For most applications, microturbine producers need to ally with complementary
technologies and system integrators, since the actual microturbine unit often only
account for a small part of the total system installation cost.
• Microturbine producers initially formed unbalance between expectations and actual
potentials and benefits.
• In order for microturbine producers to bring more focus to current niches, they must
listen to their users. Current articulations are voiced by producers without potential
users participating. Developments should integrate insights between producers and
users, to shape more precise and accurate value proposals in the future.
The discussion of future niche strategies state that the niche of utilising waste biogases at
landfills, sewage sites and farms s...
