[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 177 (Wednesday, December 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2861-E2862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ON GAS TURBINES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2009

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H.R. 3029, ``to establish a research, development, and technology 
demonstration program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in 
combined cycle power generation systems.'' I support this bill because 
energy efficiency is of the utmost concern to our security, our economy 
and our future.
  H.R. 3029 would direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out a 
research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve 
the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle power generation 
systems and identify the technologies that will lead to gas turbine 
combined cycle efficiency of 65 percent. A combined cycle is an 
attribute of a power producing engine (or plant) that employs more than 
one thermodynamic cycle. Heat engines, which are still only able to use 
a portion of the energy their fuel generates (usually less than 50 
percent) are a burden on the American consumer who helps support this 
inefficient system of energy production. The remaining heat (e.g., hot 
exhaust fumes) from combustion is generally wasted; combining two or 
more thermodynamic cycles results in improved overall efficiency.
  The bill requires that the program support engineering and gas 
turbine design for utility-scale and megawatt-scale electric power 
generation. Under the bill, this includes high temperature materials, 
improved heat transfer capability, manufacturing technology, combustion 
technology, advanced controls and systems integration, advanced high 
performance compressor technology, and validation facilities for the 
testing of components and subsystems. It also requires that the program 
include technology and field demonstrations, and assess overall 
combined cycle system performance.
  H.R. 3029 sets out specific program goals. In Phase I, the goal is to 
develop the conceptual design of and demonstrate the technology 
required for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at 
least 62 percent combined cycle efficiency on a lower heating value 
basis. In Phase II, the goal is to develop the conceptual design for 
advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 65 
percent combined cycle efficiency.

[[Page E2862]]

  The bill requires that the Secretary solicit proposals from industry, 
universities, and other appropriate parties for activities under the 
program within 180 days of enactment. The bill requires the Secretary, 
in selecting proposals, to emphasize the extent to which the proposal 
will stimulate the creation or increased retention of jobs in the 
United States and the extent to which the proposal will promote and 
enhance United States technology leadership. Awards shall be made on a 
competitive basis with emphasis on technical merit. H.R. 3029 
authorizes $65 million for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2014 for 
carrying out the program.

                          ____________________