Independent power producer Calpine Corp., San Jose, has agreed to purchase 36 F-class turbines from Siemens Westinghouse Power Corp., Orlando, scheduled for delivery in 2003 and 2004. When operated in a combined-cycle configuration, the 36 turbines will produce the equivalent of 9,800 Mw of electricity. Active in 20 states and Alberta, Canada, Calpine has about 17,200 Mw of capacity operating, under construction, or under development.
Gary-Williams Retail Co. has acquired from JTW Operations Inc., Rockford, Ill., its patented system for cash back at the retail gasoline pump. The deal gives Gary-Williams, which holds its own patent for change-back technology, the ability to return change at each gasoline dispenser or at one central location. The technology provides cash customers the same convenience as credit card customers, says Gary-Williams. �With this deal, Gary-Williams positions itself as the sole source to license change-back systems in the retail petroleum industry and opens the door to worldwide licensing of our advanced technology,� said Ed Swapp, vice-president of the retail company. Gary-Williams Retail is a subsidiary of Gary-Williams Energy Corp.
California's South Coast Air Quality Management District awarded IMPCO Technologies, Inc., Irvine, Calif., a contract to develop and demonstrate a high-capacity, high-performance, gaseous fuel storage tank for natural gas internal combustion vehicles and fuel cell vehicles. SCAQMD and IMPCO will share the project costs, estimated at $1.42 million. SCAQMD will participate financially in the design, fabrication, and testing of a natural gas fuel storage tank that will have increased capacity, reduced weight, substantial increases in safety margins, and reduced costs. The project also includes development of a pilot tank-manufacturing plant, prototype testing, and subsequent field-testing in vehicles. Recently, major cities such as Los Angeles and New York have announced the purchase of hundreds of natural gas-fueled buses.
