[PapaBear3625]

Assuming this thing actually is on the level, the thermal plant is the first stage. Step one is producing hot water.

Step two is seeing if the effect allows you to produce water hot enough to generate steam, and thus run a turbine for an electric generator. This involves more engineering and expense. It might be that the effect stops working above a certain temperature.

Even if they don't get past Step One, the effect would still be useful for heating buildings and making hot water, which consumes a large percentage of our annual energy budget.

[Normandy]

Rossi was asked about that in a recent Q&A session:

http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/energi_miljo/energi/article3126617.ece

Dr Fast: When considering your device as a part of a rankine cycle, what temperatures are achievable?

Rossi: up to 500-550 °C

[SeeSac]

Assuming this thing actually is on the level,

Bad assumption based on Rossi's past.