Subject: You have the power!
Before we throw the sparks around, one wonders where the liquidity comes from to finance the growth of AI. I suspect the advent of cryptocurrency (where "money" can be conjured from thin air by the use of power) has something to do with it. Anyway, it has been clear to me for some time that, between the growing number of EV's, the multiplying of sects of cryptocurrency and the power required by AI, the US and European (not to mention the assorted Asian) electrical grids will need substantial enhancement. While wire tends to be a commodity manufactured by a wide swath of companies, the rest of the infrastructure tends to be pretty concentrated in a relatively small number of companies.
The following is a list of important sources (many of which have recently appreciated substantially) - Disclosure, I have owned nine of the companies listed below for a number of years, some of the foreign ones for over a decade:
Jeff
United States & Europe Leading Generator Makers
GE Vernova (General Electric, US/Europe):
The world leader, GE Vernova generators produce about a third of the worlds electricity.
Provides a huge range of thermal (gas, steam), hydro, and grid-scale generators.
Key partner in large new peaker plants, grid resilience projects, and hydrogen-ready turbines in both the US and Europe.
Siemens Energy (Germany/EU):
Major provider of large power generators and flexible, hydrogen-ready turbines for utilities across Europe and globally.
Focuses on high-efficiency, low-carbon, and future-oriented grid systems.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries / Mitsubishi Power (Japan/EU/US):
Leading in high-capacity gas turbines, peaker plants, and hydrogen-adaptable generators.
Heavy presence in both US and European markets, especially where advanced thermal tech is needed.
Caterpillar Inc. (US):
Market leader for diesel/gas grid backup generators, industrial-scale gensets, and grid peak-shaving solutions.
Cummins Inc. (US):
Top supplier of industrial, grid, and backup generators, increasingly focused on AI-optimized and hybrid solutions.
Ansaldo Energia (Italy/EU):
Builds heavy-duty power plant turbines and utility-sized generators, especially in Southern and Western Europe.
Kohler Co. & Generac Holdings (US):
Market leaders in backup and distributed grid-scale gensets, especially for resilience, microgrid, and commercial installations.
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Key Types of Grid-Enhancing Generators
Grid-scale gas (and hydrogen-ready) turbines
High-capacity diesel/gas generator sets (gensets)
Advanced combined heat and power (CHP) units
Backup/peak-shaving units for resiliency and renewables integration
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Market Outlook
AI-enabled, high-flexibility designs are prioritizedthe new generation is built for resilience and easy integration with renewables, battery storage, and smart grid control.
Utilities in the US and Europe typically select from the global leaders above for enhanced reliability, uptime, and regulatory compliance.
In summary:
GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, Mitsubishi Power, Caterpillar, Cummins, Ansaldo Energia and Kohler are the primary suppliers of utility-grade generators for power grid enhancement in Europe and North America
The leading companies that manufacture electrical infrastructure equipment (including grid hardware, transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, automation systems, etc.) in the US and Europe are:
Major Manufacturers in Europe and the US
1. Siemens AG (Germany/EU)
Specializes in grid control systems, high voltage equipment, switchgear, smart grid technologies, automation, transformers, HVDC systems, and renewable integration solutions.
Siemens Energy (spinoff) leads in clean grid technology.
2. General Electric (GE Vernova) (US/EU)
Major provider of grid solutions, transformers, switchgear, metering, automation, and power generation products; large presence in both the US and Europe. Key for grid modernization and smart infrastructure.
3. ABB Ltd (Switzerland/EU)
Global leader in power grids, substation automation, transformers, switchgear, EV charging, industrial motors, and smart grid/distribution solutions.
4. Schneider Electric (France/EU)
Specializes in energy management, smart grid components, building management systems, controllers, industrial automation, and medium voltage distribution.
5. Eaton Corporation (US/EU)
Leading in power management, switchgear, UPS systems, transformers, and energy storage solutions; strong in renewables distribution and microgrid solutions.
6. Legrand SA (France/EU)
Noted for digital and building infrastructure, intelligent circuit protection, and commercial/residential electrical components.
7. Emerson Electric Co. (US)
Focused on industrial automation, process control, advanced SCADA systems, and energy efficiency.
8. Hitachi Energy (Japan/EU/US)
Key in transformer manufacturing, high-voltage equipment, and renewable grid integration (especially in HVDC and offshore applications).
9. Rockwell Automation (US/EU)
Leader in industrial control, grid automation, digital grids, and automation software.
Other Notable Names
Bosch Rexroth (Germany - privately owned): automation and industrial power solutions.
Mitsubishi Electric (Japan/EU/US): key in transformer and HVAC/grid integration.