Cogeneration: implications, opportunities, and experiences

The national thrust toward energy conservation has directed significant attention toward cogeneration. Based on work to date, cogeneration can be an effective conservation method. An attractive activity for the utility industry, cogeneration could contribute to improving the nation's energy self-sufficiency. The authors review the results of major cogeneration studies and current cogeneration projects involving significant utility participation. Southern California Edison has been actively involved in developing cogeneration potential for many years. Since 1977 Edison has been concentrating primarily on those customers who express an interest and solicit Edison's help. A table of the projects lists 39 projects involving 20 industries with a potential of 612 MW of cogeneration power.