Cell

ExxonMobil Corp. and FuelCell Energy Inc. plan to test fuel cell carbon capture technology at the James M. Barry Electric Generating Plant, a 2.7 GW mixed-used coal and natural gas-fired facility operated by Southern Co.’s Alabama Power in Bucks, AL. The tests are to demonstrate carbon capture from gas-fired power generation (see Daily GPI, May 6). The pilot would use a carbonate fuel cell power system to concentrate and capture a portion of the carbon emissions. Flue gas from power generation would be directed into the fuel cell air intake system, where it would be combined with natural gas. The fuel cell plant would be installed at Barry after engineering studies are completed, with results guiding a decision about whether to construct a standalone plant.

Fresh from being told that portions of its drilling ordinance are incompatible with Act 13, the state’s new omnibus Marcellus Shale law, the city of Pittsburgh plans to support the law’s opponents in court and file an amicus curiae brief.

A new poll reveals that while most Pennsylvania voters, 62-30%, believe the economic benefits of drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale outweigh any environmental concerns, a majority, 64-27%, also want to see the industry taxed.

TGT said Thursday it had resolved the severe weather problems that caused intermittent losses of land-line phone service, no cell phone service and connectivity issues with its GasQuest nominations system. However, its Owensboro, KY office was closed for a second day as a county state of emergency remained in effect, a spokesman said. A security office for Southern Star Central, which is also headquartered in Owensboro, said that pipeline’s office also was forced to close Wednesday by the winter storm and remained closed Thursday except for essential personnel.

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has signed up to begintesting 3 KW home fuel cell units which it expects will sweep themarket much like the home computer in just a few years.