GE Energy has said it expects to invest around $50 million to increase supply chain and engineering capacity and that it will more than double its global capabilities to meet steam turbine demand around the world.

Output will be expanded across GE’s steam turbine production and engineering centers in North America, Europe and Asia.

Larry Blistone, vice president for global supply, said: Although a full range of technology options is required to meet the world’s growing electricity needs, steam turbines remain a backbone of the energy industry, playing a part in generating more than 80% of the world’s energy.

GE also foresees an increased demand for steam turbines to power cleaner coal and solar thermal projects, and is anticipating a potential increase in demand for large steam turbines for nuclear power projects as that sector of the energy industry continues to generate renewed interest.