Global Market Consultants executed a comprehensive analysis of the United States utility-grid energy infrastructure market. The analysis covered the current and future energy needs of the United States; changes to power delivery systems; the amount investment needed to meet current and future power needs; retrofitting and retirement of plants; reduction of CO2 emissions; mandates for cleaner burning fuels; problems faced in connecting renewable energy to the power to the grid; as well as transmission limitations.

In conducting the in-depth analysis of the U.S. Energy infrastructure, specific objectives included: 

1. Assessing the state of the country’s power grids including: upgrades, repair and maintenance, and overhauls.   
2. Analyzing all methods of generating electricity, including fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewables.  This included an assessment of the current power plant conditions and the future need of alternative fuels to power the U.S. 
3. Assessing the current U.S. power transmission system; determining the needs for current and future demand.
4. Identifying and assessing federal incentives and mandates that will influence the U.S. energy infrastructure.
5. Quantifying current and future needs in the U.S. energy infrastructure for generation, transmission, and distribution.  
6. Identifying opportunities and threats and developing recommendations.

Clearly defined recommendations and conclusions were developed, that identified the issues that would have the highest impact on the client's business in the energy infrastructure industry.  The recommendations included strategies that detailed the importance of current and future trends in the industry and gave actionable steps to be taken in response to these trends. Based upon the strategy and recommendations, the client formulated a plan of action that facilitated the efforts to increase their market share. 

Solar Energy

U.S. Concentrating Solar Power Market Study

Global Market Consultants, Inc. (GMC) conducted an in-depth analysis of the United States solar energy market related to utility-interactive energy grids prior to transmission to the end-user—residential and commercial consumers. This entailed a detailed examination of the market drivers, key influencers and decision makers throughout the channel. While the focus of the analysis was on the total U.S. market, GMC also analyzed regional activities and drivers to take into account any similarities or dissimilarities in the approaches taken.

The principal tasks taken to fulfill the objectives for the project included:

• Conducting an in-depth analysis of the U.S. utility-interactive grid-connected solar energy market including: market size, trends, drivers, competing technologies, market segmentation, environmental benefits, market channels, manufacturers, and target market.
• Comparing and contrasting utility-interactive grid-connected solar energy systems to fossil fuel systems used to fuel utility-interactive energy grids.
• Assessing utility regulatory requirements (national and state) that may affect the adoption of solar energy on utility-interactive grids.
• Identifying and quantifying components utilized in utility-interactive grid-connected solar energy systems from the point at which solar energy is harnessed to the point it is converted to use for consumers by local utility grids.
• Identifying potential opportunities and threats and developing recommendations.

GMC developed a detailed product specific database to quantify materials used in the utility-interactive grid-connected solar energy systems from the point solar energy is harnessed by solar cells which comprise the array to the energy inverter to the distribution panels to the energy loads to the point prior to end-user consumption.

The project team developed a clearly defined, action based market strategy for the client. The strategic plan laid out the importance of current and future trends in the industry and gave specific response procedures to follow in defined time periods.  The plan presented a United States market view, identified key market issues by region with suggested responses. A strategic plan was formulated to provide action based responses to current and future threats that could impact the client's business in the utility-interactive grid-connected solar energy industry.

Geothermal Energy

U.S. DX Geothermal Heat Pump Market Study

Global Market Consultants, Inc. (GMC) performed an extensive analysis of Direct Exchange (DX) Geothermal Heat Pump market. GMC analyzed major environmental benefits of geothermal heating and cooling. Information on the various efforts being made by the federal and state governments to increase the market for geothermal heating/cooling including efficiency regulations and incentive programs were reviewed. A detailed assessment of regulations concerning the use of DXG heat pumps was completed, which included federal and state codes specifically regarding well drilling regulations that limit or prohibit the use of copper underground.

The principal tasks taken to fulfill the objectives for the project included:

• Conducting an in-depth analysis of the U.S. direct exchange geothermal (DX) heat pump market including: market size, trends, drivers, competing technologies, market segmentation, environmental benefits, market channels, manufacturers, and the target markets.
• Comparing and contrasting the DXG system to unitary systems (CAC and dual fuel).
• Assessing regulatory requirements (national and state) that may affect certain material usages in the ground loop.
• Detailing and quantifying the materials used in DX geothermal system; including the indoor unit and the ground coil.
• Identifying potential opportunities and threats and developed specific recommendations.

From the market strategy developed, the client was able to realign their efforts and improve their position in the market. The steps recommended proved to be cost-effective and enabled the client to better utilize their financial and human resources to meet their objectives.