Long Island Utility Seeks to Build a 5-Megawatt Fuel Cell Power Plant

January 17, 2007

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) issued a request for proposals (RFP) in mid-December to construct and operate a 5-megawatt fuel cell power plant in Long Beach, New York, near the southwest shore of Long Island. The fuel cell system will have a symbiotic relationship with a natural gas distribution hub located on the site, drawing its fuel from the distribution pipeline while warming the natural gas in the pipeline with the heat generated by the fuel cell. This cogeneration approach—using both the heat and electricity generated by the fuel cell—makes the most efficient use of the natural gas fuel. Companies have until January 26th to notify LIPA of their intent to submit a proposal, while the full proposals are due on February 16th. See the LIPA press release and the RFP.