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Clean Power Road Map

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Clean Power Generation Technologies Road Map

DOE is embarking on a series of vision setting and planning exercises that may significantly impact the direction of Federal research. These “Roadmapping” exercises are underway or planned in the areas of environmental management, fossil energy and energy efficiency/ renewable energy programs, as well as other selected programs within the Office of Energy Research.

The “Clean Power Generation Technologies Road Map” will examine a full range of production options, plus end-use efficiency, power transmission and distribution and the effect of regulatory structures. The effort spans both fossil and efficiency divisions of DOE, to help government and industry to: – determine the technology requirements to produce clean, affordable, and reliable power generation options – identify the federal, state, and industry roles in technology development, and – define the timing of needed RD&D investments over the next several decades.

The road map is to cover all fuel forms, conversion and enabling technologies (e.g. storage), and waste streams and effluents related to stationary power generation, including both central and dispersed generation, and co-production of electricity with steam, fuels, chemicals and gases. In light of climate concerns, a long term view will reach to 2100, with emphasis on the 2020-2050 time frame.

The road map is due to be completed in 2Q 1999. Initial work will be by a core group of about 12 persons, who will develop the overall vision and “destinations”, and oversee the roadmap process. The first “visioning workshop” meeting of the core group will be held in Washington on June 10-11. A select group of senior executives from utilities and IPPs have been invited (Duke, AEP, SMUD, Enron, Trigen, Onsite, Edison Int’l, Calif Energy Commission). At this stage, DOE wants only top level people to attend (CEO’s, Sr. VPs, etc.) and not lower level representatives.

Participation will be broadened to other groups later on, in a series of RD&D planning workshops. Drafts will be circulated for comments.

Initial Implementation Team:
– Victor Der (Fossil Energy) 301-903-2700, victor.der@hq.doe.gov
– Doug Carter (Fossil Energy) 202-586-9684, douglas.carter@hq.doe.gov
– William Parks (Energy Effic/Renew) 202-586-2093, william.parks@hq.doe.gov
– Joe Galdo (Energy Effic/Renew) 202-586-0518, joseph.galdo@hq.doe.gov
– Trevor Cook (Nuclear Energy) 301-903-7046, trevor.cook@hq.doe.gov
– Gil Gilliland (Oak Ridge) 423-574-9920, ig7@ornl.gov
– **Richard Scheer (Energetics, Inc.) 202-479-2748, rscheer@energeticsinc.com
**suggested point of contact

(See New Technology Week, March 2, 1998 for additional background).

Note: Due to the potential impact on national research priorities, UFTO companies should be aware of these planning exercises and may want to offer their input and participation at the appropriate time. I am in contact with the organizers, and they are aware of our interest.

DOE Selects Potential Breakthrough Approaches for Carbon Sequestration

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Forwarding announcement directly from DOE Fossil website. If you have any difficulty receiving it in your email system and would like a text copy, let me know. You can also use the URL below to go directly to the website.

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Issued on April 29, 1998
DOE Selects Potential Breakthrough Approaches For Removing Greenhouse Gases from Ecosystem

From Super Algae to Deep Ocean Carbon Disposal

The Department of Energy (DOE) has selected an initial group of research projects to pursue a goal that could ultimately determine the long-range future of global fossil fuel use — the inexpensive capture and permanent disposal of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. These cutting-edge research projects range from the use of carbon dioxide absorbing algae to deep-ocean greenhouse gas disposal.

The selected projects include a diverse mix of novel concepts, including the use of CO2-absorbing algae growing on artificial reefs or encased in bioscrubbers; the disposal of greenhouse gases in deep aquifers or on the ocean floor; and innovative chemical processes and membranes that separate CO2 from the flue gases of fossil fuel power plants and factories. Each project will receive approximately $50,000 for the initial phase. Projects that proceed into later development phases could receive up to $1.5 million each.
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http://www.fe.doe.gov/techline/tl_novelseq.html
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| ** UFTO ** Edward Beardsworth ** Consultant
| 951 Lincoln Ave. tel 650-328-5670
| Palo Alto CA 94301-3041 fax 650-328-5675
| http://www.ufto.com edbeards@ufto.com
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U.S. Department of Energy [Home | Site Index | Search | Help]

[DOE FOSSIL ENERGY TECHLINE]

Issued on April 29, 1998

DOE Selects Potential Breakthrough Approaches For Removing Greenhouse Gases from Ecosystem From Super Algae to Deep Ocean Carbon Disposal

The Department of Energy (DOE) has selected an initial group of research projects to pursue a goal that could ultimately determine the long-range future of global fossil fuel use — the inexpensive capture and permanent disposal of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. These cutting-edge research projects range from the use of carbon dioxide absorbing algae to deep-ocean greenhouse gas disposal.

Secretary of Energy Federico Pena today announced grants to 12 research teams that will begin exploring whether practical, affordable methods can be developed to prevent carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases from building up in the atmosphere.

“Such processes could be the revolutionary breakthroughs that break the link between the world’s use of fossil fuels and concerns over global climate change,” said Pena. “We are beginning the first steps today, but if the path leads to realistic technologies, it may become much easier for the United States and other nations to implement effective greenhouse gas reduction strategies.”

The selected projects include a diverse mix of novel concepts, including the use of CO2-absorbing algae growing on artificial reefs or encased in bioscrubbers; the disposal of greenhouse gases in deep aquifers or on the ocean floor; and innovative chemical processes and membranes that separate CO2 from the flue gases of fossil fuel power plants and factories. Each project will receive approximately $50,000 for the initial phase. Projects that proceed into later development phases could receive up to $1.5 million each.

Secretary Pe–a kicked off the new effort last September in a speech at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh where he called on the nation’s scientific and technical community to “look beyond what is currently feasible” and develop breakthrough concepts for sequestering or recycling greenhouse gases. Sixty-two proposals responded to the challenge and 12 were selected.

In the President’s FY 1999 budget proposal, DOE has recommended expanding carbon sequestration research efforts with activities focusing on both the science of carbon management, and the application of innovative techniques for removing and permanently storing carbon gases.

Following is a brief description of the projects.

* Louisiana State University,Baton Rouge, LA
: Dr. Charles E. Graham, (504) 388-3386

Project: “PH-Neutral Concrete for Attached Microalgae and Enhanced Carbon Dioxide Fixation” (Abstract) – Louisiana State University will study the capture of CO2 by microalgae supported on artificial reefs. These reefs would be manufactured with cement products especially tailored for microalgae attachment. The novel aspect is the use of supercritical CO2 to neutralize the alkaline cement mixture. After this treatment, the cement has a near neutral pH, which allows immediate attachment of pH-sensitive marine microalgae to the artificial reef. Attached microalgae and algae beds on reefs are 20 times more efficient for CO2 fixation compared to algae in the open ocean when considered on an area basis. A portion of the carbon in the biomass produced will be permanently sequestered in the deep-ocean.

* McDermott Technologies, Inc., Alliance, OH
: Mr. Ray L. Posey, (303) 829-7422

Project: “Large-Scale CO2 Transportation and Deep Ocean Sequestration” (Abstract) – McDermott Technology Inc., in collaboration with the Hawaii National Energy Institute at the University of Hawaii, will study the viability of large-scale CO2 transportation and deep ocean storage. Phase I activities include a technical and preliminary economic feasibility study of a large-scale CO2 transportation and disposal system, focused on extending the application of pipe-laying technology well beyond the current depth limit of 1300 meters. Emphasis will be placed on injection at depths of 3000 meters or more to avoid adverse environmental impacts. Two options will be examined for transporting and disposing the captured CO2. In one case, CO2 will be pumped from a land-based collection center through a long pipeline laying on the ocean floor. Another case will consider oceanic tanker transport of liquid CO2 to an offshore floating platform on a barge for vertical injection to the ocean floor. Future work will focus on the analytical and experimental simulations of liquid CO2 dissolution and dispersion, laboratory-scale corrosion testing, and further conceptual and engineering evaluation of transportation and disposal options.

* Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC
: Mr. Dave Obringer, (919) 541-7081

Project: “Recovery of Carbon Dioxide in Advanced Fossil Processes Using a Membrane Reactor” (Abstract) – Research Triangle Institute will develop an inorganic, palladium-based membrane device that reforms hydrocarbon fuels to mixtures of hydrogen and CO2 and, at the same time, separates the high-value hydrogen. The remaining gas, predominantly CO2, is recovered in a compressed form. The hydrogen could be used in future fuel cell systems or advanced turbine power systems. Pure hydrogen, when burned to generate power, produces water vapor as the only product of combustion. The proposed work will be conducted in three phases. Phase I will demonstrate the electroless plating techniquefor depositing palladium on a ceramic substrate and will develop a membrane reactor module. Phase II will involve reforming reaction and hydrogen separation experiments in the bench scale test facility. Phase II will demonstrate the technology at the proof-of-concept scale.

* Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI
: Ms. Anita Quinn, (906) 487-2225

Project: “Low Cost Bioscrubber for Greenhouse Gas Control” (Abstract) – Michigan Technological University proposes a novel, algae growing bioscrubber that could be retrofitted to existing power plants or applied to new power plants. By optimizing the photosynthetic conditions for the algae in the scrubber, algae can grow rapidly, consuming CO2 and, perhaps, other greenhouse gases. Mature algae will be harvested and processed to produce value-added products and energy. Using a plant that generates 100 megawatts of electricity each hour, researchers estimate that about 800 million kilowatt hours of electricity can be generated annually from the biomass produced in a bioscrubber.

* University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center, Grand Forks, ND
: Mr. Edwin Olson, (701) 777-4278

Project: “Novel Systems for Sequestering and Utilizing CO2” (Abstract) – The Energy and Environmental Research Center of the University of North Dakota will develop new chemistry and catalysts to convert CO2 to useful polymers in industrial quantities. Polymers having different properties will be synthesized for specific end uses. For example, water soluble polymers with high viscosities could be produced for enhanced oil recovery projects, while others could be developed for use in strong structural resins or ion-exchange materials. The proposal envisions novel, solar-powered photoreactors that use sunlight for converting CO2 to simple alcohols for subsequent polymer synthesis.

* Northwest Fuel Development, Inc., Lake Oswego, OR
: Dr. Peet M. Soot, (503) 699-9836

Project: “Sequential Carbon Dioxide Removal from Stack Gases and Sequestration Using Coal Seams” (Abstract) – Northwest Fuel Development, Inc. (NW Fuel) will develop a unique system for removing and sequestering CO2 by injecting power plant flue gas into abandoned coal mines and using the residual coal in the mines to filter out and retain the carbon dioxide. Reducing the pressure in the undeground mines would release the concentrated carbon dioxide, allowing it to be compressed and injected into underlying deep unmineable coal seams. Most of the coal-fired power plants in the U.S. are located in or near coal basins, which could be suitable for this type of processing. This multi-phased effort will be conducted at the Nelms Mine site in Harrison County, Ohio. The initial portion of the effort will consist of a technical and economic feasibility analysis of the process. Laboratory and bench scale tests will take place in Phase II, and a field demonstration unit will be built and operated at the Nelms Mine during Phase III.

* The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
: Ms. Yvonne Murray, (512) 471-2338

Project: “Optimal Geological Environments for Carbon Dioxide Disposal in Saline Aquifers in the U.S.” (Abstract) – Saline aquifers have great potential for the long-term sequestration of greenhouse gas emissions including CO2. This study will help fill the information gap between studies using idealized aquifers and the often poorly known properties of real aquifers. This effort will develop a data base of saline aquifers in the U.S. where geological conditions promote the greatest probability of success of CO2 sequestration projects. Standard techniques for hydrocarbon exploration and development such as reservoir characterization and geological formation analysis will be used to make these predictions.

* Battelle, Columbus, OH
: Mr. Ralph Henricks, (614) 424-5693

Project: “Experimental Evaluation of Chemical Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide in Deep Aquifer Media” (Abstract) – The disposal mechanism to be studied in this project involves deep-well injection of supercritical phase CO2 in aquifers that are deeper than 800m and have no known economic resources. Battelle will conduct basic research on aquifer processes. Researchers will perform a series of laboratory experiments to determine the chemical processes controlling the fate of injected CO2 in different aquifer settings. The major focus will be on the potential resources for disposal in the Midwest United States in a region with one of the highest CO2 emission rates in the nation.

* Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, PA
: Mr. S. M. Morris, (610) 481-8282

* Tampa Electric Company, Tampa, FL
: Mr. Charles R. Black, (813) 228-4111

Project: “The Removal and Recovery of Carbon Dioxide from Syngas and Acid Gas Streams in an IGCC Power Plant for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gases” (Abstract) – Tampa Electric’s Polk Power Station, built as part of the joint government-industry Clean Coal Technology Program, is a state-of-the-art 250 MW(e) Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plant. IGCC power technology provides an ideal opportunity for CO2 capture when oxygen rather than air is used. Coal-derived gas is produced in a highly-concentrated, pressurized form that allows for the use of a variety of solvents that can capture CO2 from the gas stream prior to combustion. Engineering studies will be performed to evaluate the technical and economic merits of alternative systems that could be demonstrated at the Polk Power Station. In Phase III and beyond, the selected recovery system would be built and operated at the plant.

: Mr. John D. Wright, (303) 422-7819

Project: “A Novel CO2 Separation System” (Abstract) – TDA Research, Inc., proposes a “Sorbent Energy Transfer System” in which the fossil fuel (gasified coal or natural gas) transfers its energy to reduce a metal oxide, producing steam and high-pressure CO2 that can be sequestered with little additional compression energy. The steam would be used to drive a steam turbine to produce electricity. The metal is then reoxidized in air, producing heat to raise the temperature of a high-pressure stream of air or nitrogen to drive a gas turbine to generate more electricity. The oxidized metal is sent to the reducing vessel to repeat the cycle.

* Institute for Environmental Management, Inc. (IEM), Palo Alto, CA-
: Mr. Don Augenstein, (650) 856-2850
Project: “Landfill Operation for Carbon Sequestration and Maximum Methane Emission Control” (Abstract) – Working at the Yolo County Central Landfill outside Davis, CA, the Institute for Environmental Management, Inc., will study a way to accelerate the production of methane from landfills and capture the methane using surface membrane covers. Methane is a strong greenhouse gas with approximately 20 times as much greenhouse effect as CO2. The project, to be conducted cooperatively with Yolo County and the California Energy Commission, will involve two demonstration cells at the landfill, each containing approximately 9000 tons of waste. Techniques will be applied to promote decay of the landfill waste to provide more rapid and complete methane generation. A gas-impermeable membrane will be used as a cover over the landfill to prevent the methane from escaping into the atmosphere. Gas-permeable layers in the cover will conduct the methane to a collection point.

For additional information, contact:
Robert C. Porter, (202) 586-6503 e-mail: robert.porter@hq.doe.gov

DOE 11 Lab Study on technology, greenhouse gases

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At long last, DOE’s “11 Lab” study has been released.
The DOE press release is attached below.

The report is on the web (pdf acrobat format) at
http://www.ornl.gov/climate_change

Oak Ridge will have hardcopies available shortly.
Contact Brenda Campbell, 423-574-4333, xbd@ornl.com

Here’s a part of an UFTO Note (11/97).
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The work began in June 96 following Clinton’s speech to the U.N. Each of the 11 labs that worked on the study took the lead on a specific technology area, such as efficiency in buildings, efficiency in transportation, fossil power generation, nuclear, renewables, cross-cutting areas, basic research, and carbon sequestration. It was a bottom-up effort, looking in depth at the technology itself. There was no analytical modelling of the overall energy system or economy.

NREL and ORNL were the lead labs for the effort, with direction and involvement at the lab director level.

The report concludes that science and technology can do a lot, but that appropriate policies and funding are needed for commercialization. Appendices detail 50 separate technology categories, with order-of-magnitude range estimates of carbon emission reductions to the year 2030 and beyond. ————

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| ** UFTO ** Edward Beardsworth ** Consultant
| 951 Lincoln Ave. tel 650-328-5670
| Palo Alto CA 94301-3041 fax 650-328-5675
| http://www.ufto.com edbeards@ufto.com
————————————————————–

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 1998

WIDE RANGE OF TECHNOLOGIES COULD REDUCE GREENHOUSE-GAS EMISSIONS, STUDY FINDS

National Laboratories Highlight Pathways to Cleaner Environment

The United States has many options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through new, cleaner energy technologies, the directors of 11 of the Department of Energy’s national laboratories conclude in a study released today. The directors recommend aggressively developing a wide range of technologies over the next several decades.

The directors’ report, Technology Opportunities to Reduce U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions, outlines almost 50 technology pathways that could eliminate the emissions of hundreds of millions of tons of carbon per year. They include such near-term practical technologies as electric hybrid vehicles, high-efficiency lighting, super-insulating windows, and passive solar heating and cooling of buildings. They also include mid-term to longer term technologies that need further development, such as fuel cells for transportation, microturbines, broad use of biomass fuels and hydrogen-fueled energy systems.

“Technologies already being developed by industry and by national laboratories are key to meeting President Clinton’s challenge to reduce greenhouse gases while contributing to economic growth,” said Secretary of Energy Federico Pe–a. “This report lays out what we need to do to bring our nation’s best scientific and engineering talent to bear on solving this problem. With the support of American consumers and businesses, we can have a major impact on the kind of world we leave for future generations.”

The 11 laboratory directors recommend that the federal government lead a vigorous national push to develop energy technologies during the next three decades to achieve a major reduction in the risk of global warming. While the study does not recommend specific funding levels for technology research, development and deployment, it estimates some increases will be needed to push critical technologies to the commercialization stage. A report issued last year by the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology reached a similar conclusion about the need for increased investment in energy research and development. Also, government-industry partnerships are essential, the laboratory study says, to overcome scientific, technical and commercial challenges to developing the recommended technologies.

The United States emits 23 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Some 90 percent of those emissions come from energy use, and about 85 percent of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere comes from burning fossil fuels. The study examines technologies that can reduce emissions in three ways — by using energy more efficiently, reducing the amount of carbon released through energy use and increasing the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere.

Technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will become available at different times over the next 30 years, according to the study. In the first decade, significant advances in energy efficiency technologies — such as in appliances, heating and cooling systems, and transportation — would produce the greatest reductions in emissions. During the following 10 years, research-based advances in clean energy technologies could greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These could include high-efficiency natural gas systems, renewable energy such as solar and wind, and fuel cells. And by 2030, research in carbon sequestration — carbon storage, carbon absorption and carbon removal by oceans, forests and soils — could produce valuable results.

The study stresses the importance of pursuing a number of technologies at each stage to provide choices and flexibility for energy users. The 47 options the lab directors recommend cover almost all sectors of the economy, including buildings, industry, transportation and agriculture.

Admiral Richard Truly, director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Dr. Alvin Trivelpiece, director of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, co-chaired the technology study. The participating labs were Argonne National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Federal Energy Technology Center, Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories.

NOTE: The study, Technology Opportunities to Reduce U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions, is on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ornl.gov/climate_change The files are in PDF format and can be read in Acrobat Reader.
-DOE-

R-98-051

DOE 11 Lab Study on technology, greenhouse gases

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Subject: UFTO Note – DOE 11 Lab Study on technology, greenhouse gases
Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998
At long last, DOE’s “11 Lab” study has been released. The DOE press release is attached below.

The report is on the web (pdf acrobat format) at http://www.ornl.gov/climate_change

Oak Ridge will have hardcopies available shortly.

Contact Brenda Campbell, 423-574-4333, xbd@ornl.com

 

Here’s a part of an UFTO Note (11/97).

————-

The work began in June 96 following Clinton’s speech to the U.N. Each of the 11 labs that worked on the study took the lead on a specific technology area, such as efficiency in buildings, efficiency in transportation, fossil power generation, nuclear, renewables, cross-cutting areas, basic research, and carbon sequestration. It was a bottom-up effort, looking in depth at the technology itself. There was no analytical modelling of the overall energy system or economy.

NREL and ORNL were the lead labs for the effort, with direction and involvement at the lab director level.

The report concludes that science and technology can do a lot, but that appropriate policies and funding are needed for commercialization. Appendices detail 50 separate technology categories, with order-of-magnitude range estimates of carbon emission reductions to the year 2030 and beyond.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 1998

WIDE RANGE OF TECHNOLOGIES COULD REDUCE GREENHOUSE-GAS EMISSIONS, STUDY FINDS

National Laboratories Highlight Pathways to Cleaner Environment

The United States has many options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through new, cleaner energy technologies, the directors of 11 of the Department of Energy’s national laboratories conclude in a study released today. The directors recommend aggressively developing a wide range of technologies over the next several decades.

The directors’ report, Technology Opportunities to Reduce U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions, outlines almost 50 technology pathways that could eliminate the emissions of hundreds of millions of tons of carbon per year. They include such near-term practical technologies as electric hybrid vehicles, high-efficiency lighting, super-insulating windows, and passive solar heating and cooling of buildings. They also include mid-term to longer term technologies that need further development, such as fuel cells for transportation, microturbines, broad use of biomass fuels and hydrogen-fueled energy systems.

“Technologies already being developed by industry and by national laboratories are key to meeting President Clinton’s challenge to reduce greenhouse gases while contributing to economic growth,” said Secretary of Energy Federico Pe–a. “This report lays out what we need to do to bring our nation’s best scientific and engineering talent to bear on solving this problem. With the support of American consumers and businesses, we can have a major impact on the kind of world we leave for future generations.”

The 11 laboratory directors recommend that the federal government lead a vigorous national push to develop energy technologies during the next three decades to achieve a major reduction in the risk of global warming. While the study does not recommend specific funding levels for technology research, development and deployment, it estimates some increases will be needed to push critical technologies to the commercialization stage. A report issued last year by the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology reached a similar conclusion about the need for increased investment in energy research and development. Also, government-industry partnerships are essential, the laboratory study says, to overcome scientific, technical and commercial challenges to developing the recommended technologies.

The United States emits 23 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Some 90 percent of those emissions come from energy use, and about 85 percent of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere comes from burning fossil fuels. The study examines technologies that can reduce emissions in three ways — by using energy more efficiently, reducing the amount of carbon released through energy use and increasing the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere.

Technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will become available at different times over the next 30 years, according to the study. In the first decade, significant advances in energy efficiency technologies — such as in appliances, heating and cooling systems, and transportation — would produce the greatest reductions in emissions. During the following 10 years, research-based advances in clean energy technologies could greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These could include high-efficiency natural gas systems, renewable energy such as solar and wind, and fuel cells. And by 2030, research in carbon sequestration — carbon storage, carbon absorption and carbon removal by oceans, forests and soils — could produce valuable results.

The study stresses the importance of pursuing a number of technologies at each stage to provide choices and flexibility for energy users. The 47 options the lab directors recommend cover almost all sectors of the economy, including buildings, industry, transportation and agriculture.

Admiral Richard Truly, director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Dr. Alvin Trivelpiece, director of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, co-chaired the technology study. The participating labs were Argonne National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Federal Energy Technology Center, Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories.

NOTE: The study, Technology Opportunities to Reduce U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions, is on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ornl.gov/climate_change The files are in PDF format and can be read in Acrobat Reader.

-DOE-

 

R-98-051

Next Meeting-DOE Reliability Task Force

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DOE Secretary of Energy Advisory Board
Notice of Open Meeting
Electric System Reliability Task Force

Tuesday, May 12, 1998, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.
The Madison Hotel, Dolley Madison Ballroom, 15th and M Street NW,
Washington, D.C. 20005

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard C. Burrow, Secretary of Energy Advisory Board (AB-1), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20585, (202) 586-1709 or (202) 586-6279 (fax).

Information on the Electric System Reliability Task Force and the Task Force’s interim report may be found at the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board’s web site,
http://www.hr.doe.gov/seab.

Background
The electric power industry is in the midst of a complex transition to competition, which will induce many far-reaching changes in the structure of the industry and the institutions which regulate it. This transition raises many reliability issues, as new entities emerge in the power markets and as generation becomes less integrated with transmission.

Purpose of the Task Force
The purpose of the Electric System Reliability Task Force is to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board regarding the critical institutional, technical, and policy issues that need to be addressed in order to maintain the reliability of the nation’s bulk electric system in the context of a more competitive industry.

Tentative Agenda Tuesday, May 12, 1998
8:30AM Opening Remarks & Objectives — Philip Sharp, ESR Task Force
Chairman
8:45AM Working Session: Discussion of Draft Position Paper on Technical
Issues in Transmission Reliability — Facilitated by Philip Sharp
10:00AM Working Session: Discussion of International Lessons Learned —
Facilitated by Matthew Holden
10:30AM Break
10:45AM Working Session: Discussion of a Draft Position Paper on
State/Regional Reliability Issues — Facilitated by Ralph Cavanagh
11:45PM Working Session: Planning for the Final Report — Facilitated by Philip Sharp
12:00PM Lunch
1:00PM Working Session: Discussion of a Draft Position Paper on
Incentives for Transmission Enhancement — Facilitated by Susan Tierney
2:15PM Working Session: Discussion of Draft Position Paper on Ancillary
Services and Bulk-Power Reliability — Facilitated by Philip Sharp
3:30 Public Comment Period
4:00 PM Adjourn
This tentative agenda is subject to change. The final agenda will be
available at the meeting.

EPRI-GRI-DOE Fuel Cell Workshop

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This notice just came in from the DOE Fuel Cell forum

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If you’re interested in fuel cells you should be on this email list!

To subscribe:
http://www.fetc.doe.gov/products/power/fuelcells/subscribe.html

For a good overview of fuel cells and the DOE program, see:
http://www.fetc.doe.gov/products/power/fc.html
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*** I have confirmed that THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO EVERYONE ****

Joint EPRI-GRI-DOE Workshop

(Similar to DOE’s Annual Fuel Cell Contractors Review Meeting)

May 18-20, 1998

Sir Francis Drake Hotel
450 Powell Street
San Francisco, Ca.
(415) 392-7755 or 1-(800) 227-5480
Rate for workshop block of rooms is $149.00 (through 4/20/98)

Registration Fee of $200.00 includes proceedings, continental breakfasts and
luncheons

Conference Contact Person:
Melita Guellert, EPRI Conference Manager
(650) 855-2010 MGueller@epri.com

Technical Info:
John B. O’Sullivan, EPRI (650) 855-2292
AGENDA

Monday
Welcome/Introduction 1:00 – 1:15 PM
ONSI (PAFC) Status 1:15 – 1:40 PM
M-C Power (MCFC) Demos 1:40 – 2:05 PM
Energy Research Corp. (MCFC) Demos 2:05 – 2:30 PM
Westinghouse (SOFC-CT) Demos 2:30 – 2:55 PM
BREAK 2:55 – 3:20 PM
A. D. Little Inc. Fuel Processing 3:20 – 3:45 PM
Hydrogen Burner Technology Fuel Processing 3:45 – 4:10 PM
SOFCo Fuel Processing 4:10 – 4:35 PM
Northwest Power Systems Fuel Processing 4:35 – 5:00 PM

Tuesday
ERC MCFC 8:00 – 8:25 AM
M-C P MCFC 8:25 – 8:50 AM
Argonne National Lab MCFC 8:50 – 9:15 AM
Westinghouse SOFC Research 9:15 – 9:40 AM
BREAK 9:40 – 10:05 AM
ZTEK SOFC Systems 10:05 – 10:30 AM
TMI SOFC Systems 10:30 – 10:55 AM
AlliedSignal SOFC Systems 10:55 – 11:20 AM
Ceramatec/SOFCo SOFC Systems 11:20 – 11:45 AM
LUNCH 11:45 – 1:15 PM
University of Utah (Virkar) SOFC Research 1:15 – 1:40 PM
U. of Missouri (Anderson) SOFC Research 1:40 – 2:05 PM
U. of Pennsylvania (Worrell) SOFC Research 2:05 – 2:30 PM
Pac NW Natl. Lab (Armstrong) SOFC Research 2:30 – 2:55 PM
Break 2:55 – 3:20 PM
Georgia Tech (Liu) Proton Cond. Research 3:20 – 3:45 PM
Cal Tech (Haile) Proton Cond. Research 3:45 – 4:10 PM
Jet Propulsion Lab Direct MeOH. Research 4:10 – 4:35 PM
Proton Energy (Regen FC) PEMFC 4:35 – 5:00 PM

DINNER SPEAKER David Rohy CA Energy Commission

Wednesday
Ballard Stationary PEM 8:00 – 8:25 AM
H-Power Stationary PEM 8:25 – 8:50 AM
Analytical Power Stationary PEM 8:50 – 9:15 AM
Plug. Power (Ernst) Stationary PEM 9:15 – 9:40 AM
BREAK 9:40 -10:05 AM
3M Membrane Tech. 10:05 – 10:30 AM
DuPont Membrane Tech. 10:30 – 10:55 AM
F-M Membrane Tech. 10:55 – 11:20 AM
Gore Membrane Tech. 11:20 – 11:45 AM
Ballard Automotive PEM 1:15 – 1:40 PM
ONSI Automotive PEM 1:40 – 2:05 PM
Plug. Power (Ernst) Automotive PEM 2:05 – 2:30 PM
AlliedSignal Automotive PEM 2:30 – 2:55 PM
BREAK 2:55 – 3:20 PM
ElectroChem PEM Research 3:20 – 3:45 PM
Discussion/Comments 3:45 – 4:30
ADJOURN 4:30 PM

Renewable Energy Technology Characterizations

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In 1996, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Utility Technologies (OUT) and the Electric Power Research Institute began preparing a document characterizing the current status and projected performance and cost improvements of several emerging renewable energy technologies. This detailed document was recently completed and can now be downloaded as a collection of files on the OUT Web site organized under the following major headings: Biomass, Geothermal, Photovoltaic (PV) Technologies, Solar Thermal Technologies, Wind Technologies, Project Financial Evaluation, and Energy Storage Technologies. (DOE April 3, 1998)

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http://www.eren.doe.gov/utilities/techchar.html
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U.S. Department of Energy Office of Utility Technologies

Renewable Energy Technology Characterizations

A joint project of the Office of Utility Technologies, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy and the Electric Power Research Institute

The Renewable Energy Technology Characterizations describe the technical and economic status of the major emerging renewable energy options for electricity supply. These technology characterizations represent the best estimates of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) regarding the future performance and cost improvements expected for these technologies as a result of continuing research and development (R&D) and development of markets for renewable energy through the year 2030.

Background
These technology characterizations, which have existed as working drafts primarily for internal use at DOE, were originated in 1989 to support analyses in the development of the first National Energy Strategy. Because of growing interest in renewable energy technologies, an increasing number of researchers and energy policy analysts have expressed interest in having access to these technology characterizations. In response to requests to make these data more widely available, the current updates can now be downloaded from this Web site and are also available in paper form (EPRI Topical Report No. TR-109496, December 1997).

Copying and Distribution
The Renewable Energy Technology Characterizations are copyrighted, but permission is granted for unlimited copying for noncommercial use.

Ordering Information for Paper Version
The paper version of the report is available from EPRI, at $50.00/copy for domestic U.S. customers. Requests for paper copies of this report, as well as pricing for non-U.S. customers, should be directed to: EPRI Distribution Center, 207 Coggins Drive, P.O. Box 23205, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523; (510) 934-4212.

Technology Characterizations

The technology characterizations can be downloaded by selecting the PDF files below. (You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 to view these files error free.) Learn about PDFs.

Front Matter (PDF 98KB)
Title page
Disclaimer and Copyright Notice
Report Summary and Abstract
Acknowledgments
Contents, Figures, and Tables

Introduction and Overview (PDF 279KB)

Biomass
Overview of Biomass Technologies (PDF 38KB)
Gasification-Based Biomass (PDF 337KB)
Direct-Fired Biomass (PDF 84KB)
Biomass Co-Firing (PDF 229KB)

Geothermal
Overview of Geothermal Technologies (PDF 64KB)
Geothermal Hydrothermal (PDF 178KB)
Geothermal Hot Dry Rock (PDF 179KB)

Photovoltaic (PV) Technologies
Overview of PV Technologies (PDF 368KB)
Residential PV (PDF 808KB)
Utility-Scale Flat-Plate Thin Film PV (PDF 349KB)
Utility-Scale PV Concentrators (PDF 119KB)

Solar Thermal Technologies
Overview of Solar Thermal Technologies (PDF 304KB)
Solar Power Tower (PDF 311KB)
Solar Parabolic Trough (PDF 380KB)
Solar Dish Engine (PDF 910KB)

Wind Technologies
Overview of Wind Technologies (PDF 227KB)
Advanced Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines in Wind Farms (PDF 353KB)

Project Financial Evaluation (PDF 343KB)
Introduction to Figures of Merit
Financial Structures
Techniques for Calculating Levelized COE
Financial Model and Results
Payback Period

Appendix: Energy Storage Technologies
Overview of Energy Storage Technologies (PDF 36KB)
Battery Storage for Renewable Energy Systems (PDF 112KB)

EL-24496

EMF Engineering Review Symposium, April 28-29, 1998

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Reporting briefly from ORNL–a heads up about this upcoming conference on EMF.

The RAPID program is drawing to a close, but more critically, DOE may not continue with its own core EMF program. This conference may be an important forum for that issue to be raised. One implication-a void in the U.S. when and if standards are set internationally!

An excellent contact on EMF issues overall is Paul Gailey at Oak Ridge.
423-574-0419 pg7@ornl.gov

http://www.emf-data.org/symposium98.html

(Note this website as a resource on emf generally)

EMF Engineering Review Symposium
Status and Summary of EMF Engineering Research

April 28-29, 1998
Sheraton Charleston Hotel
Charleston, SC

Organized by the United States Department of Energy

Last updated: February 11, 1998
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BACKGROUND

The Electric and Magnetic Fields Research and Public Information Dissemination (EMFRAPID) Program was established by Congress in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) are partners in the EMFRAPID Program’s effort to address the question of whether extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields (EMF) produced by the generation, transmission, and use of electric energy pose a risk to human health, and if so, to determine the significance of the risk and to develop mitigation technologies.

ENGINEERING REVIEW SYMPOSIUM

Engineering results provide one of the foundations for understanding and characterizing EMF exposures in biological and epidemiological studies. DOE is convening a public symposium to assess the state of knowledge of EMF engineering issues and to present results of RAPID engineering studies conducted by DOE. These studies focus on exposure characterization and methodologies, exposure levels, and evaluation of strategies for field reduction.

Symposium presentations will address current knowledge of EMF exposure parameters, measurement technology, exposure systems, quality assurance, modeling, and exposure distribution. Participants will evaluate these results and discuss the potential social and economic implications. DOE will document the evaluations and conclusions of participants, together with summaries of each RAPID engineering study. Findings will be integrated into the risk evaluation process, which NIEHS is conducting.

Details and updates on the EMF Engineering Review Symposium will appear on this webpage.

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EMF Engineering Review Symposium

Status and Summary of
EMF Engineering Research

April 28-29, 1998
Sheraton Charleston Hotel
Charleston, SC

GOALS

1. To assess the state of knowledge of EMF engineering issues, and
2. to provide engineering input to the RAPID risk evaluation process.

PROGRAM

The symposium will allow all participants to attend all discussions (there will be no break-out groups). Both on-site discussions and written comments will be incorporated into the report. Proposed topics are listed below.

* Field Parameters
* Measurement Technologies
* Laboratory Exposure Systems
* Field Calculation Models
* Field Management
* Interaction with Biological Systems
* Exposure Assessment Methodologies
* Engineering Quality Assurance for EMF Studies
* Exposure Distribution Across Populations
* Implications of Imposing Field Limits

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Investigators and users of EMF source characterization, exposure assessment,
laboratory exposure systems, field management techniques, and field modeling
are invited to attend and participate in the discussions. This symposium
will be of interest to researchers in engineering, biological sciences, and
epidemiology, as well as electric utility personnel and regulators. The
meeting is open to the public.

Hotel

A block of rooms is being held through March 27, 1998 at the Sheraton
Charleston Hotel, 170 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, SC 29403, at the
government per diem rate ($89.00 plus 12% tax). For reservations, call
800-968-3569, or fax 803-723-6276. Be sure to state that you are attending
the DOE Engineering Symposium.

Travel Information

The Charleston International Airport services this area. Low Country
Limousine Service offers transportation to and from the airport. The one-way
fare is $15.00 per person. For reservations, call 800-222-4771. Taxis are
available at a slightly higher cost.

Registration

Advance registration is required in order to receive pre-conference
materials. The deadline for registration is March 27, 1998. To register,
please send the following information for each attendee:

* Name
* Name for badge
* Title/Position
* Company/Institution
* Address
* City/State/Zip
* Country
* E-mail address
* Telephone number
* Fax number

To:

W/L Associates
7519 Ridge Road
Frederick, MD 21702
Telephone: 301-663-1915
Fax: 301-371-8955
e-mail: 75230.1222@compuserve.com