Using distributed fuel cells to compete with established utilities under rules permitting retail wheeling
Regulatory reform in the electricity industry clearly has many implications for the corporate structure of electric utilities, the pricing of energy products and services, and the quality of service received by customers. But it also has implications for the selection of energy generating technologies. The rise of the cogenerator and independent power producer has been a major force in the expanded use of combined-cycle power plants and their technological advancement. The next stage of increased deregulation, retail wheeling, must also lead to further technological change, because the economic climate determines the operational characteristics required of new generating resources. This paper discusses the use of distributed fuel cells to compete with established utilities in areas where retail wheeling has been instituted. It will cover in detail the unique advantages of the technology under this industry configuration. The paper will pay particular attention to the operational and design characteristics of fuel cells that will provide companies the flexibility they require to compete successfully. Finally, the paper will discuss the implications for the use of distributed fuel cells of alternative retail wheeling implementation schemes.
- OSTI ID:
- 474407
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960805-; TRN: 97:009006
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 31. intersociety energy conversion engineering conference, Washington, DC (United States), 9-14 Aug 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the 31. intersociety energy conversion engineering conference. Volume 3: Policy impacts on energy, renewable energy resources, energy systems, environmental impact; Chetty, P.R.K.; Jackson, W.D.; Dicks, E.B. [eds.]; PB: 684 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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