Industry report confirms potential for cogeneration in low carbon energy policy
In a just published report highlighting the likely future role of cogeneration COGEN Europe outlines a high efficiency scenario for 2050 in which at least two thirds of cogeneration will be renewable based. However, the poor current performance of the sector must be radically improved if this is to be achieved.

In its scenario ‘Cogeneration 2050’ COGEN Europe has taken the various existing projections for fuel mix changes achieving 85% CO2 reduction and prepared a “high efficiency low carbon” vision of 2050. Building on the previous report ‘Cogeneration as the foundation of Europe’s 2050 low carbon energy policy’ released in December 2010, the new report shows the significant role which cogeneration can play in the sustainability of renewables lifting the overall efficiency of bio–energy use. In a 2050 world of highly electrified transport and better insulated buildings cogeneration emerges as the logical mode of supplying low carbon process heat to industry. The report includes new fuel flow diagrams for the European economy, visualising the intricate pathways of energy through the economy and highlighting the key transformation and distribution points.

The cogeneration sector supplies both heat and electricity simultaneously, cutting across traditional economic and commercial boundaries. However, the poor current performance of the sector remains a major disappointment. The European Commission has indicated that cogeneration basically stood still from 2004-2008 with only 0.5% growth per annum. Neither the 2004 Cogeneration Directive nor the European Emission Trading Scheme regimes have stimulated investors to move into this sector. “Member States themselves have identified the potential for an additional minimum 20 Mtoe cogeneration annual energy savings by 2020.” said Dr Fiona Riddoch, Managing Director of COGEN Europe.

”It is hard to argue that Europe should continue to waste energy. All the European Institutions must now get real about energy efficiency policy and cogeneration and deliver a strong Energy Efficiency Directive”.

For more information please contact:
Dr Fiona Riddoch, Managing Director
Tel: +32 2 772 8290 Fax: + 32 2 772 5044 Email: fiona.riddoch@cogeneurope.eu
Stefan Craenen, Communication Manager Tel: +32 2 772 8290 Fax: + 32 2 772 5044
Email: stefan.craenen@cogeneurope.eu

About cogeneration:
Cogeneration (also known as CHP or Combined Heat and Power) is the simultaneous production of heat and electricity. 11% of Europe’s electricity and heat requirements today are produced using this proven energy efficiency technology. The estimated growth potential is for a further 120 GWe of cogeneration which will lead to an improved environment and greater economic competitiveness in Europe. Cogeneration units can be found in different sizes and applications: industry, households and tertiary sector and spans applications with capacities ranging from below 1kw to hundreds of Megawatts. It is a highly efficient energy solution that delivers substantial reductions in CO2 emissions and can be a large contributor to delivering the targets of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change for Europe. In EU Member States where cogeneration has been seriously supported as in Denmark their electricity supply system operates at 65% efficiency overall compared to the current EU average of an unacceptable 33% efficiency overall. Cogeneration substantially contributes to reaching strategic climate and energy goals, such as security of supply, energy efficiency and reduction of emissions. More info on www.cogeneurope.eu

About CODE:
The Cogeneration Observatory and Dissemination Europe Project (CODE) is a 30 month project monitors the implementation of the Cogeneration Directive and the reporting back by the 27 EU Member States. The project is led by COGEN Europe and is partly funded by the European Commission under the Intelligent Energy Europe programme. The project has produced the following results: Overview of the technical potential for cogeneration in Europe Status and role of national support mechanisms Analysis of financial benefits of cogeneration investments in EU27 based on IRR calculations An overview of best practice cases A database of relevant EU and national legislation A draft European cogeneration roadmap

More info on www.code-project.eu