The US Department of Energy (DoE) is setting a target of achieving 70 per cent efficiency from hybrid power plants using fossil fuels. Some officials within the DoE have said that they expect such a system to be ready by 2010.
In order to achieve this, the DoE has stated its intention to issue Financial Assistance Solicitation No DE-PS26-00NT40779 entitled “Hybrid Power Systems”. The work will focus on proof-of-concept systems of suppliers’ market entry product. The system shall contain any combination of existing or ‘near-term’ power industry fuel to electricity conversion equipment. One of these components must be a high-temperature fuel cell. The solicitation will be available on DoE’s website (www.netl.doe.gov/business) on or about April 24, 2000.