Introduction: the analysis of the main areas of energy transition (energie wende) from fossil fuels and nuclear power generation to renewable sources of energy has identified the following four key problems: electric power shortage; ageing of power generation facilities; insufficient infrastructure; growing demand for gas fuel. In Russia, distributed small-scale power generation facilities serve those consumers who have no access to centralized power supply or network channels of regular power generation. A combination of versatile approaches to electric power generation should be applied in the course of designing a specific energy generation facility in this context.Methods: the research project represents an analysis of the works written by the leading Russian and foreign researchers specializing on power engineering, namely, energy supply to consumers. The expert assessment method has identified the niches which are best fitted by gas turbine facilities. Computerized and simulation modeling techniques were used to perform the analytical and statistical processing of the project findings.Results and discussion: the trend for the structural improvement of small-scale liquefied natural gas facilities has been identified in the course of the research. The author has substantiated development of systems for power supply to smallcapacity liquefied natural gas production facilities. The proposed gas turbine GTU-2U is designated for generation of electric energy, if in operation as a standalone facility as part of a centralized heating and power plant in the standalone mode of operation, or in case of concurrent operation along with an energy generation system within the framework of distributed small capacity networks. The co-authors have substantiated the unit’s practical application and identified the GTU-2U distribution market both in Russia and abroad: small capacity distributed power generation industry and power supply to small-capacity liquefied natural gas production facilities. The latter is a relatively new market which is in the process of proactive development both in mature and developing economies. This power supply pattern will enable to monetize gas deposits, located far from pipelines and to supply gas to hard-to-access regions.Conclusion: the key trends in the development of the contemporary power generation industry are considered in the article. Gas turbine unit GTU-2U has been designed. This unit is capable of generating power both as a standalone facility, as a component of a centralized heating and power plant in the standalone mode of operation, or in case of concurrent operation along with an energy generation system. Its strengths substantiate its practical application both in the Russian and international power generation markets.
Economic assessment of heat and power generation from small-scale liquefied natural gas in Russia
