This month LIPA issued a request for proposals for the construction and operation of a 10-megawatt fuel cell power plant, which it intends to bring online by July 1, 2006. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the proposed facility would dwarf existing fuel cell plants, which only cracked the 1-megawatt barrier in 2000.

LIPA proposes to enter into a 20-year power purchase agreement with the winning bidder, who will own and operate the facility. Proposals are due by April 25.