Cogeneration's future: more energy at less cost

As the costs of primary energy rise, the economics of co-generation become more favorable when compared to the costs of additional large power plants. Co-generation facilities and capital investments can be smaller, with local energy needs dictating the size of the investment. Co-generation units are also easier to secure and are independent of major water supplies and transmission lines. Safety reserve storage systems for co-generation facilities can provide additional protection against utility failure and fuel shortages. Mechanical and electrical machine room problems are somewhat less for co-generation installations. Environmental problems are most evident in the traffic of fuel-delivery vehicles, but conventional engineering techniques can reduce most of the environmental impacts. Mass-production components of advanced development are available. Areas using co-generation can reduce both utility bills and primary energy requirements 40 to 60 percent. Most areas must choose between small- and large-scale installations, but the market for both is large. (DCK)