MCN Investment Corp. and Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. plan to build a $45-million liquified natural gas plant near the Delaware-Maryland border. The project, named Continental States Peaking Services L.L.C., would liquify, store and vaporize gas beginning in early 2000. It would connect to the Eastern Shore Natural Gas pipeline system, with access to the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line and Columbia Gas Transmission system. The facility could provide as much as 2 billion cubic feet equivalent of gas storage service, or peak-day withdrawal capacity of up to 200 million cubic feet per day of revaporized gas. The project's size, capacity and feasibility will depending on the results of the project's open season, which ended July 25. FERC approval would follow.

The Canadian Energy Research Institute released a report on proposed natural gas pipeline and expansion projects, including many cross-border facilities. Natural Gas Pipelines: New Pipelines and Expansions (Special Report 97-2) details more than 52 pipeline and expansion projects expected to increase interregional natural gas transportation capacity by 2000. To order a copy ($195 Canadian), call Capri Gardener at CERI, at (403) 220-2365.

The Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities signed a six-year agreement with South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. for electricity. The agreement extends the relationship between the two organizations beyond 70 years. Initial capacity will be 140 megawatts. The agreement requires FERC approval. The negotiated rate, although not disclosed, is 8.8 percent below the current contract rate and was less than 15 other bids.

Gazprom, one of the largest natural gas companies in the world (em serving Russia, Eastern Europe and most of Western Europe (em has ordered a fuel cell built by ONSI Corp. The power plant provides 200 kilowatts of electricity, enough to supply electric to nearly 150 homes. Some 100 ONSI fuel cells operate around the world.

A government/industry coalition will study the expanded use of distributed power generation in a competitive electric market. Some 26 electric and gas industry organizations, equipment manufacturers and the federal government will participate in the Distributed Generation Forum, including the Gas Research Institute. Primarily natural gas-based applications will be evaluated to determine cost-effective ways of meeting customer requirements. Onsite Energy Corp. and George C. Ford Associates will analyze market applications, equipment performance, cost targets and the affect of restructuring.

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