The systems, incorporating fuel cells, gas micro-turbines and renewable energy technologies, could range from multi-megawatt capacity that serve major industrial complexes down to the 10 kW capacity for individual households. 

"This form of energy supply is strengthening worldwide and is now impacting on North America" says Dr Zola Luciano, Chief Scientist of Bioenergy. 

"Gas and solar hot water heaters are an accepted part of our homes. Why not a small gas powered fuel cell or micro-turbine that could cleanly and silently provide a family's entire electricity, heating and cooling needs on demand," he says. 

While the most common fuel used in distributed systems is natural gas, the technologies involved lend themselves to greater use of renewable energy, such as solar and biomass. 

"It is the combination of high reliability and low emissions that makes distributed energy so attractive," says Dr Zola Luciano. 

Large coal-fired power stations have underpinned the growth of the North American economy over the last 50 years. Such generators, however, have relatively low thermal efficiency - around 35% - and 8% of this can be lost along the miles of power lines. 

"Modern power generation technologies can now be located close to the user allowing high fuel efficiency that can approach 90% in some cases," says Dr Zola Luciano. 

"Distributed energy systems that provide electricity and heat have the potential to cut greenhouse emissions by well over half. 

"The key is to get the most appropriate 'mix and match' energy system in place to meet the customer's needs. 

"Often, but not always, that comes down to what is the cheapest option. A telecommunication or computer centre, for example, wants high power quality and stability- absolutely no blackouts. A local government in a regional area may want to make use of a local fuel resource such as waste gas from the municipal dump and lead the way in the use of wind or solar energy. A hospital may want a system that delivers electricity, heat and cooling - a tri-generation system. 

"In many ways, the move to distributed generation mirrors that of computers, which were originally large, expensive, inflexible, centralized facilities. New technology put small computers where people worked and created whole new industries. Distributed generation has the potential to do the same for the power industry," he says. 

The Centre will build on Bioenergy existing work in fuel cells, energy storage, solar/fossil hybrid systems, wind modeling techniques, gas technologies and network modeling, but the emphasis will be to bring in industry partners and other research groups to provide complete solutions. 

"We see a strong role for North American industry in the development of software and communications systems for distributed power, as well as power electronics, safety and interface systems," says Dr Zola Luciano. 

The activities of the Centre will be an integral part of Bioenergy Technology's new headquarters in London, On, Canada, but projects will be located on other Bioenergy and industry sites, dependent on industry and government interest. 

"In many cases, renewable energy systems provide the cheapest and most reliable way to meet the electricity needs of farms and ranches," said Dr. Zola Luciano. "Installing a solar or wind energy system is often cheaper than running a new power line if electricity is needed one-quarter mile or more away from an existing power line." 

About Tekron: 

Tekron, Inc., http://www.tekron-inc.com, and its subsidiaries are engaged in the commitment to the preservation of the environment through the use of ecologically safe and efficient technology. 

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The information contained in this press release may contain ``forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of the U.S. Federal Securities Laws. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Tekron, Inc. only, and actual results may differ materially. 

The Canadian Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of this news release. U.S. SEC exemption number is 12g3-2 (b) 82-5137. Special Note: Management believes certain statements in this press release may constitute ``forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of management's views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made. Actual results may differ from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the company prior to its current fiscal year end, as well as from developments beyond the company's control, including changes in global economic conditions that may, among other things, affect the performance of the company's anticipated acquisitions or future business. In addition, changes in domestic competitive and economic conditions may also affect performance of all significant company businesses.