Cogeneration is a great way for Local Governments to reduce energy costs. Energy bills are a significant part of the running costs of any Council.
Cogeneration can double energy efficiency, halve power costs and reduce carbon dioxide emission by two-thirds.
Cogeneration involves using the one fuel to generate two or more forms of energy, for instance using gas to make heat and electricity.
Capturing more of the energy released by the input fuel has considerable environmental and financial advantages.
Cogeneration is currently used by large and medium businesses. As well, a number of sporting facilities, hospitals, educational institutions, recreational facilities and office complexes use cogenerated power.
Anyone who uses heating or cooling and electricity may benefit by installing a cogeneration plant.
So in the next few years we can expect to see more commercial buildings, industrial plants, swimming pools, hospitals, hotels and RSL clubs cutting their power bills and increasing their energy efficiency by using cogeneration.
To speed up the adoption of cogeneration, the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) of NSW, the AGL and the Australian Cogeneration Association have initiated the Cogeneration Development Program.
Under this Program, all NSW Councils are invited to apply for a funded study assessing the feasibility of natural gas fired cogeneration or cooling within their operations.
As part of the study a general assessment of energy use and efficiency will be made and any further opportunities to save energy identified.
Eligible sites must have an annual electricity consumption of greater than 750MWh or a total annual energy consumption, for electricity, gas, LPG, coal and so forth, greater than 5000 GJ.
To obtain an information package on how to proceed, please contact SEDA on (02) 9291 5260 or email your contact details to jhume@seda.nsw.gov.au
*Copy supplied by SEDA.
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