Which technology (gas turbines, steam turbines, boilers, etc) offers the best service market prospects?
MK: We clearly structure our services along these main technologies and of course everyone knows that gas turbines is still the best service business as the margins are higher and the installed base is growing fast. The second best business would be steam turbines. We also see a lot of opportunities today in the environmental business. Boiler is a difficult business, we are handling it very profitably in the US, but have a weaker position elsewhere. HT: Do you think that the margins in the gas turbine service business will eventually go down? MK: It depends on how the technology develops. For new technologies, the margins will continue to be high. So, if the OEMs are continually able to introduce new technology, then the margins will remain relatively high. HT: A few years ago there was a big buzz in the industry about e-business. How important are e-business capabilities to the service operations of ALSTOM Power? MK: The buzz has clearly gone. E-business in terms of e-purchasing didnt
