Cogeneration is the combined generation of process heat with electricity from a single fuel supply. Cogeneration recovers energy that would ordinarily be lost as waste heat and uses it to produce electricity. The dual energy output allows cogeneration systems to typically use 70% of energy in the fuel, nearly double that of conventional coal fired electricity generation.

Where there is a demand for heat and electrical energy, cogeneration can have considerable benefits for commercial and industrial users of power. Benefits include reductions in energy cost, improved security of supply and reduced environmental impact. Cogeneration is also a key technology identified to assist Australia in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

To assist industry in assessing the potential for cogeneration in their operations the Sustainable Energy Development Office, along with national partners, has produced a technical report (PDF 1.6 MB) into emissions standards and environmental approvals processes for small cogeneration plants. The report provides a guide to potential users on technologies available, emissions standards and control technologies, siting considerations, the regulatory environment and the economics of cogeneration systems.

The Sustainable Energy Development Office is working with its partners to produce a package of information material, including case studies, which demonstrate the potential savings available to business through cogeneration systems.

Cogeneration Case Studies

AGL South Australia - Coopers Brewery Cogeneration Project (PDF 208 KB)
Crown Limited - Crown Casino Cogeneration Project (PDF 300 KB)

The Sustainable Energy Development Office has established an on-line database for the sustainable energy industry. For information on consulting engineers with expertise in the area of cogeneration, see the Energy Smart Directory.


To access Adobe Acrobat Reader for the PDFs provided on this site: www.adobe.com.au