Nanomaterials and nanotechnology: Prospects for technological re-equipment in the power engineering industry

Abstract

The authors substantiate the potential of nanotechnology in the technology modernization of the power engineering industry (PEI) enterprises aimed at achieving production efficiency growth. The key factors encouraging the PEI companies to undertake technological re-equipment (stable and rapid nanotechnology market growth, expanding nanomaterials application and reducing costs along with the increase in the global energy consumption) are revealed. The authors state that the opportunities for the widespread use of the new nanotechnologies and nanomaterials in the PEI are directly related to the formation of regulatory and technical support for the life cycle of nanotechnology products. Within that framework, formation of the global and Russian system of standardization and certification in nanotechnology field is exercised. The factors restraining the process of the PEI companies' technology modernization (the lack of funds, delay of standardization, metrology and certification in relation to the pace of nanotechnology development, insufficient companies' interest) are disclosed. Prospective algorithm of technological re-equipment of the PEI companies is suggested.