DISTRIBUTED GENERATION

With the advent of competitive power in 1998, innovative approaches for the generation and delivery of electric power arose.  The term “Distributive Power” generally describes a small power source located close to or at the site of the end user.  These projects are typically less than 25 MW in capacity.  Proponents of Distributive Power draw the analogy that the central power plant is like the large mainframe computer that has been overwhelmed by the small personal computer.

Because of the rather small electrical capacity, the array of technologies is different from those normally employed with the large central power plant.  Since Hydrogen is emerging as a potential new source of energy to power Distributed Generation (DG) technologies at this time when concerns about the Climate Change effects of fossil fuel combustion and the economic implications of dependence on foreign oil supplies are increasing.

HS functions in several areas of DG.

• Owner’s Engineer – assisting in specific design, operations and maintenance considerations associated with the use and storage of hydrogen
• Project Developer – working with a facility, serve as the project developer to determine what technology makes the most sense, work to help secure financing, and execute required contracts for the design, build, and operations of the energy facility.
• Project Management – although our personnel have been involved with large fossil fuel power projects, many of the project management skills for hydrogen related projects are similar.  However, we bring the added experience with working with hydrogen and the associated prudent considerations.
• Permitting Expediter – since many jurisdictions have not permitted hydrogen projects, we work with the local Authorities Having Jurisdiction to demonstrate how the proposed design conforms with codes & standards to ensure a safe operation.
• Insurance Consultant - to assure the proper insurance coverages are purchased at reasonable cost and terms, HS will develop a project risk profile and participate in discussions with insurance carriers.  At the same time, HS will identify risk mitigation strategies that should be incorporated into the initial design to minimize future risk exposures.