Small-system generation requirements: fuels and technologies

The results of a survey conducted among a selected group of small municipal, cooperative and private utilities are presented. The objective of the survey was to identify the resources, technologies, sizes of installations preferred and contemplated by small utilities. The survey further attempted to ascertain the willingness of small utilities to convert existing power plants to synthetic liquids or gaseous fuels, and their willingness to install small alternate energy generation systems. Perceived restrictions and utility recommendations for EPRI Research and Development were sought, together with the optimum method of dissemination of EPRI information to small utilities. It is concluded that over 8300 megawatts of capacity will be added to the small utility systems of respondents and it is postulated that over 17,000 megawatts may be added by the total small utility systems in the next 20 years. It is further concluded that development efforts should be in the fields using alternate resources and the associated technologies. Included among the resources are biomass, including municipal solid waste, synthetic fuels, both liquefaction and gasification, and the sun. Technologies include small steam turbines, combined cycles, combustion turbines, low-head and run of river hydroelectric, fluidized bed combustors, solar technologies, fuel cells and storage (e.g.,more » batteries).« less