Industrial cogenerators opting to burn cheaper solid fuels

Industrialists are increasingly willing to invest up to twice as much in cogeneration equipment to burn cheaper solid fuels. In addition to the lower costs of solid fuels, cogenerators are able to secure long-term fuel contracts at pre-arranged prices. There is also a growing commercial acceptance of fluidized-bed boiler technology which reduces or eliminates the need for costly air pollution controls and for fuel preparation. Solid-fuel systems differ by generating steam in boilers and running it through a steam turbine generator to produce electricity. Users negotiating for solid fuel contracts can benefit from the recent trend toward natural gas as a result of government incentives and regulations.