I 
114TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 2961 
To establish a research, development, and technology demonstration program 
to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle and 
simple cycle power generation systems. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JULY 7, 2015 
Mr. TONKO (for himself and Mr. MCKINLEY) introduced the following bill; 
which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
A BILL 
To establish a research, development, and technology dem-
onstration program to improve the efficiency of gas tur-
bines used in combined cycle and simple cycle power 
generation systems. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. HIGH EFFICIENCY GAS TURBINES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Energy, through 
the Office of Fossil Energy, shall carry out a multiyear, 
multiphase program of research, development, and tech-
nology demonstration to improve the efficiency of gas tur-
bines used in power generation systems and to identify 
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the technologies that ultimately will lead to gas turbine 
combined cycle efficiency of 65 percent or simple cycle effi-
ciency of 50 percent. 
(b) PROGRAM ELEMENTS.—The program under this 
section shall— 
(1) support first-of-a-kind engineering and de-
tailed gas turbine design for megawatt-scale and 
utility-scale electric power generation, including— 
(A) high temperature materials, including 
superalloys, coatings, and ceramics; 
(B) improved heat transfer capability; 
(C) manufacturing technology required to 
construct complex three-dimensional geometry 
parts with improved aerodynamic capability; 
(D) combustion technology to produce 
higher firing temperature while lowering nitro-
gen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions per 
unit of output; 
(E) advanced controls and systems integra-
tion; 
(F) advanced high performance compressor 
technology; and 
(G) validation facilities for the testing of 
components and subsystems; 
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(2) include technology demonstration through 
component testing, subscale testing, and full scale 
testing in existing fleets; 
(3) include field demonstrations of the devel-
oped technology elements so as to demonstrate tech-
nical and economic feasibility; and 
(4) assess overall combined cycle and simple 
cycle system performance. 
(c) PROGRAM GOALS.—The goals of the multiphase 
program established under subsection (a) shall be— 
(1) in phase I— 
(A) to develop the conceptual design of ad-
vanced high efficiency gas turbines that can 
achieve at least 62-percent combined cycle effi-
ciency or 47-percent simple cycle efficiency on 
a lower heating value basis; and 
(B) to develop and demonstrate the tech-
nology required for advanced high efficiency gas 
turbines that can achieve at least 62-percent 
combined cycle efficiency or 47-percent simple 
cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis; 
and 
(2) in phase II, to develop the conceptual de-
sign for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that 
can achieve at least 65-percent combined cycle effi-
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ciency or 50-percent simple cycle efficiency on a 
lower heating value basis. 
(d) PROPOSALS.—Within 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall solicit grant and 
contract proposals from industry, small businesses, univer-
sities, and other appropriate parties for conducting activi-
ties under this Act. In selecting proposals, the Secretary 
shall emphasize— 
(1) the extent to which the proposal will stimu-
late the creation or increased retention of jobs in the 
United States; and 
(2) the extent to which the proposal will pro-
mote and enhance United States technology leader-
ship. 
(e) COMPETITIVE AWARDS.—The provision of fund-
ing under this section shall be on a competitive basis with 
an emphasis on technical merit. 
(f) COST SHARING.—Section 988 of the Energy Pol-
icy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352) shall apply to an award 
of financial assistance made under this section. 
(g) LIMITS ON PARTICIPATION.—The limits on par-
ticipation applicable under section 999E of the Energy 
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16375) shall apply to finan-
cial assistance awarded under this section. 
Æ 
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