Development of cogeneration plants in Ukraine as a response to the energy challenges of war
Given the ongoing war, Ukraine faces serious challenges in the energy sector. Russian air attacks have hit a large part of the centralised energy infrastructure, causing the loss of about 9 GW of thermal and hydroelectric power plant capacity. According to the IMF, the energy sector suffered losses of $56.5 billion. Restoration of facilities under the constant threat of new attacks is problematic, so the introduction of distributed generation capacity is becoming critical for the country’s stable energy supply.
The importance of decentralising the energy system
One of the main problems of the Ukrainian energy system is the lack of sufficient decentralisation. Central power stations are vulnerable to attacks, which could again lead to massive blackouts and power shortages, as was the case last winter. In addition, limited imports of electricity due to technical constraints put additional pressure on the power system.
At the same time, distributed cogeneration plants (DGPs) could be an important solution to improve the situation. These plants, located close to consumers, minimise transmission losses and increase the overall efficiency of the system. Cogeneration plants can produce electricity and heat simultaneously, making them cost-effective and energy efficient.
How cogeneration plants work
Cogeneration, as a process, involves the production of electricity and heat simultaneously, with an efficiency of up to 90%. Cogeneration units use gas internal combustion engines that produce mechanical energy and convert it into electricity using a generator. At the same time, heat is generated, which is removed to heat water or produce steam. This heat can be used for heating buildings and other utility needs, which significantly increases the efficiency of energy use.
European experience of using cogeneration units
Cogeneration units are widely used in the European Union, which helps to improve the efficiency of energy systems. The European Commission identifies cogeneration as an important tool for achieving CO2 emission reduction targets and increasing the share of renewable energy sources. For example, Germany and Denmark have made significant breakthroughs in the implementation of cogeneration systems integrated with renewable sources such as wind and solar energy.
US experience
In the United States, cogeneration is also becoming more widespread, especially in industry. Many large factories use cogeneration units to produce heat and electricity simultaneously. The US government supports the development of this technology through tax breaks and subsidies that encourage investment in cogeneration.
Technological development of cogeneration plants
Historically, cogeneration has come a long way from the first steam engines to modern, highly efficient systems.
Today, cogeneration or combined heat and power (CHP) solutions are highly efficient by simultaneously producing electricity, heat and/or cooling from a single energy source, usually natural gas. This makes it a great smart solution for a variety of industries, manufacturing, infrastructure, greenhouses and district heating. Cogeneration helps to reduce fuel consumption by around 30% compared to separate electricity and heat production. Thus, modern technologies have achieved efficiency in fuel energy conversion.
For example, conventional thermal power plants that only produce electricity often have an efficiency of only 30-50%, meaning that most of the energy is lost as heat. Cogeneration plants, on the other hand, achieve efficiencies of over 80% due to the simultaneous production of electricity and heat, which allows them to maximise the use of fuel energy and reduce both costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Advantages of cogeneration plants
One of the main advantages of CCGTs is their quick installation and flexibility. Unlike large gas turbines, cogeneration plants can be started up in just 2-7 minutes. This makes them an ideal solution for rapid replacement of damaged facilities or for providing energy to critical infrastructure facilities such as hospitals, schools, residential buildings and water utilities.
In addition, cogeneration plants have low operating costs and a quick payback period of up to 5 years. Their high efficiency and fuel savings (up to 40% compared to individual sources of electricity and heat) make them extremely beneficial for use in conditions of energy shortages.
Cogeneration projects will allow Ukraine to strengthen its energy independence and resilience to external threats. Decentralised electricity and heat production will help ensure the stability of energy supply for critical facilities, reduce transmission losses and improve fuel efficiency.
In the future, cogeneration may become a key technology for energy security and economic recovery.