Detailed Summary

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.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 7/29/2009: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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