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Among gas/liquid fuel-based technologies, open cycle gas-based plants are preferredat the locations where water is scarce. Gas turbine for heat and power in distributedgeneration is preferred when both heating/cooling and power are required, such as inairports, malls and hospitals. Combined cycle gas turbine technology is best suitedfor bulk peak power requirement. It has higher efficiency than other technologies in thesame category. Internal combustion engines are best suited for remote places andback-up for grid-connected systems. It is also suited for peak service and distributedgeneration with combined heat and power (CHP) mode.SWOT analysisStrengths• Indian coal reserves inventory is 286 Bt (114 Bt proven);• Lower prices;• Development of shale gas technology has increased the global gas availability andresulted in considerable decline in prices;• Fossil fuel-based technologies are mature and more familiar;• Slow pace of technology changes;• Coal-based technologies are desirable for energy security and self-reliance; and• Because of high capacities, fossil fuel-based power generation act as the nucleusof social development in remote areas.Weaknesses• Large emission of CO 2, a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change;• Although gas is also being used in distributed framework, fossil technologies ingeneral are more suitable for centralized generation;• Higher transmission and distribution losses and associated cost; and• Non-perennial (finite) resource.Opportunities• Source of bulk power generation and base load requirement;• Huge energy deficit in the foreseeable future;• Economy of scale – reduced cost of installation;• Fukushima incident raised concerns regarding safety of nuclear power generation;and• Public acceptance of large hydro is poor due to submergence of huge area resultingin population dislocation and methane generation, a potent greenhouse gas.Threats• Growing climate change concerns♦ Copenhagen Accord recognized the need to limit the global temperature riseby 2050 to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.• Increasing fossil fuel and technology prices♦ As the reserves are depleting, coal prices are soaring high.107