We are told that our electricity transmission grids need upgrades to link utility scale wind and solar projects to our towns and cities, particularly to power industry and other large electrical loads.
Unfortunately, these upgrades are costly, ugly, and not accepted by communities. They are also very slow to plan, fund and build, delaying our essential response to the climate crisis.
We have base-load utility scale coal power-stations (~ 1,000 MW), and ‘dispatchable’ gas power stations ( ~ 100 – 500 MW) and there are solar PV systems on homes and businesses ( ~ 0.01 to 0.1 MW).
But there is another ‘missing link’ which could overcome the need to upgrade transmission lines.
The ‘missing link’ in this suite of technologies is a renewable electricity generator which:
- has a capacity low enough to operate ‘behind the meter’ but high enough to power industrial sites ( 0.1 – 10 MW).
- can operate 24/7, to keep industry operating and keep the load off the grid.
- is powered by local, free waste heat, materials, biomass and biogas etc. to eliminate fuels costs and minimise electricity prices.
Capricorn Power has developed just such an engine, to fill this generator technology missing link. Our modular ‘Barton heat engine’ converts heat (above 700°C) and sustainable ‘wastes’ to renewable electricity 24/7, at less than the cost of non-renewable electricity from the grid.
Contact us to learn more…