Renewable Energy Technology Assessments - Kauai Island Utility ...

Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative
Renewable Energy Technology Assessments
4.0 Renewable Energy Technology
Screening
• Multi-fuel Generating Technologies (Reciprocating Engines, Combustion
Turbines, Microturbines, Fuel Cells) – Reciprocating engines and combustion
turbines are fully commercial technologies offering competitive cost, reliable
performance and good fuel flexibility. Microturbines and fuel cells do not
currently offer the same cost / performance ratio, although it is projected that
the gap will close over the next twenty years. The decision between engine
generators and combustion turbines usually comes down to size. Combustion
turbines are often preferred for applications greater than 5 MW, and engine
generators for smaller sizes.
Black & Veatch recommends that landfill gas, wind, hydro, direct fired biomass,
and MSW mass burn be examined for the rest of this report. The conclusions of the
screening analysis are summarized in the table below.
21 March 2005 4-26 Black & Veatch