The prospects of the expanded diffusion of cogeneration to 2030 – Study on new value in cogeneration

Abstract

In light of the situation after the Great East Japan Earthquake, new attention has been focused on cogeneration for its value as a distributed power source (i.e., power source value) and as a means enabling business continuity even in times of grid power supply shortage and emergencies (i.e., BCP value). The study of expanded diffusion of cogeneration to 2030 examined these forms of value and considered their substance and quantitative assessment.In connection with its power source value, cogeneration can be rated in terms of reduction in the total power cost resulting from replacement of superannuated power plants. The study recognized a certain value for this effect.As for its BCP value, the study discovered a methodology for quantitative assessment in terms of the monetary value of loss avoided by cogeneration. Furthermore, a trial calculation of BCP value using this methodology suggested that cogeneration could yield a value equivalent to the ordinary effect for reduction of energy use.