A bill 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.

Bill: 111-hr-3029
Sponsor: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-21]
Introduced: 2009-06-24 in the House
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations
Electric power generation and transmission
Energy efficiency and conservation
Energy research
Oil and gas
Research administration and funding
Research and development

Summary:
action_date: 2009-06-24
text: 
Directs 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 to identify the technologies that will lead to gas turbine combined cycle efficiency of 65%. 
 
Requires the program to: (1) support first-of-a-kind engineering and detailed gas turbine design for utility-scale electric power generation; (2) include technology demonstration through component testing, subscale testing, and full scale testing in existing fleets; (3) include field demonstrations of the developed technology elements to demonstrate technical and economic feasibility; and (4) assess overall combined cycle system performance.
 
Delineates as the goals of the program: (1) in phase I, to develop the conceptual design of advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 62% combined cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis and to develop and demonstrate the technology required for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 62% combined cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis; and (2) in phase II, to develop the conceptual design for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 65% combined cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis. 
 
Directs the Secretary, in selecting program proposals, to emphasize the extent to which the proposal will: (1) stimulate the creation or increased retention of jobs in the United States; and (2) promote and enhance U.S. technology leadership. 

action_date: 2009-12-01
text: 
Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in power generation systems and to identify the technologies that will lead to gas turbine combined cycle efficiency of 65% or simple cycle efficiency of 50%.
 
Requires the program to: (1) support first-of-a-kind engineering and detailed gas turbine design for megawatt-scale and utility-scale electric power generation; (2) include technology demonstration through component testing, subscale testing, and full scale testing in existing fleets; (3) include field demonstrations of the developed technology elements to demonstrate technical and economic feasibility; and (4) assess overall combined cycle and simple cycle system performance.
 
Sets forth as program goals: (1) in phase I, to develop the conceptual design of, and to develop and demonstrate the technology required for, advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 62% combined cycle efficiency or 47% simple cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis; and (2) in phase II, to develop the conceptual design for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 65% combined cycle efficiency or 50% simple cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis. 
 
Directs the Secretary, in selecting program proposals, to emphasize the extent to which the proposal will: (1) stimulate the creation or increased retention of jobs in the United States; and (2) promote and enhance U.S. technology leadership. 
 
Authorizes appropriations.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-12-02
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2009-12-01
text: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2009-12-01
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2009-12-01
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 266 - 118 (Roll no. 911). (text: CR H13368-13369)
action_date: 2009-12-01
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 266 - 118 (Roll no. 911).(text: CR H13368-13369)
action_date: 2009-12-01
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H13372)
action_date: 2009-12-01
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2009-12-01
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3029.
action_date: 2009-12-01
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H13368-13370)
action_date: 2009-12-01
text: Mr. Tonko moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2009-12-01
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 196.
action_date: 2009-12-01
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science and Technology. H. Rept. 111-343.
action_date: 2009-12-01
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science and Technology. H. Rept. 111-343.
action_date: 2009-07-29
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2009-07-29
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2009-07-21
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
action_date: 2009-07-21
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2009-06-25
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
action_date: 2009-06-24
text: Referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.
action_date: 2009-06-24
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-06-24
text: Introduced in House