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Show electrical generating capacity is extensive, as illustrated in Figure 1. Most of the market growth is expected to be in Asia and the Pacific rim[1]. In these countries, technologies that are proven reliable, economical, and easy to operate are preferred. Emission limits in these markets are currently unchallenging, however, pressure from the world community is rapidly forcing stricter regulations, making advanced coal-fired technologies more desirable. Advanced technologies are, however, being applied in countries such as Germany, Denmark, and Japan, where emission restrictions or high fuel costs have made high efficiency, low emission advanced technologies attractive. The higher cost associated with the utilization of these advanced technologies is borne through government subsidy and higher cost-of-electricity. These advantages are not available to the U.S. suppliers. The Department of Energy (DOE) has recognized that unless federal assistance is provided to private industry, U.S. suppliers would be unable to develop coal-fired technologies and would ultimately be unable to compete in the global market. Global Power Growth 1995· 2005 North America 500 400 Europe 500 400 - In Gigawatt. East Asia 500 400 300 200 100 south AslaJ ~ 600 ......, ~ =w ~ 100 ~ '0 b' o Source: Fry Godley, "Status of the United States Coal Research, Development &. Demonstration Program," presented to the International Committee on Coal Research, October 24,1995. Figure 1 Worldwide Energy Demand PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Though present emissions limits (NSPS), domestic fuel costs, and legislation do not currently justify high efficiency or extremely low emissions technologies domestically, this is likely to change. In recognition of the competitive potential for advanced pulverized coal-fired technologies, both foreign and domestic, DOE's Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center initiated a research and development program in late 1990, named Combustion 2000, with the intention of preserving and expanding coal as a principal fuel in the generation of electrical power. The project was designed for two stages of commercialization, the nearer-term Low Emission Boiler Page· 2 |