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There is a need for a comprehensive NGV emissions data base to help establish engine conversion kit research goals and to ensure that this technology remains environmentally acceptable. DOE should fund a $5 million technology base program in FY 1988.

Desiccant Systems

FY 1986 Appropriation $0.0M

FY 1987 Appropriation $0.0M

GRI FY 1988 Recommendation $2.0M

Today, the cooling needs of most small commercial buildings are being met with electric air conditioners. However, in areas of the country that experience high humidity and in commercial buildings that have high internal humidity loads, the use of these systems to handle both the moisture (latent) and cooling (sensible) loads is often inefficient. An alternate and more efficient approach is the use of an integrated gas-regenerated desiccant dehumidifier in conjunction with a smaller-capacity electric vapor compression air conditioner. DOE should initiate research on a total desiccant cooling system (no electric cooling components) in sizes from 10 to 20 tons. Key technology improvements are needed in reducing the size and cost of the desiccant wheel and heat exchanger components. GRI's 1988 budget for desiccant systems is $2.8 million. The FY 1988 federal contribution needed for this effort is $2 million.

GEOSCIENCE RECOMMENDATION

GRI believes that in addition to increasing traditional energy R & D dollars, the Department of Energy needs to take a serious look at a program designed specifically to address a geosciences research initiative. DOE Secretary Herrington recognized the importance of this research. In December 1985 he requested ERAB study the issue and report its findings to DOE. ERAB submitted a preliminary report in November 1986. GRI endorses the key recommendations in the report, which include the following.

。 DOE should establish an Office of Geoscience Research (OGR). In addition, DOE should integrate existing geoscience research programs into OGR.

• DOE should establish six research centers in major oil- and gas-producing areas of the U.S. to conduct and contract geosciences research.

o DOE should substantially increase funding for basic and applied geoscience research. ERAB suggests that an initial budget of $50 million should increase to $100 million by 1990.

SUMMARY

GRI recommends DOE fund a viable, consistent gas-related budget which adequately addresses the long-term needs of this nation's energy supply. A total of $92 million in FY 1988 would continue programs Congress has already approved. We believe this budget recommendation is consistent with the realities resulting from a large federal deficit since it is $5 million less than last year's appropriations for these same programs. It should be noted that the gas industry is funding near-term research in these program areas with a GRI R&D budget of $128 million. These central themes of funding adequate long-term gas research in DOE while GRI funds near-term research and of establishing a viable DOE geosciences program are sound national energy policy.

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Total primary energy consumption is projected to grow from 76.4 quads in 1985 to 105.1 quads in 2010, or at 1.3 percent per year, while real GNP is projected to grow at 2.9 percent per year. Thus, energy consumption grows at less than one-half the rate of GNP (45 percent) over the projection. This rate reflects not only increasing efficiency of energy use but the continued restructuring of the U.S. economy into less energy-intensive applications

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