Assessing the development of combined heat and power generation in the EU
International Journal of Energy Sector Management
ISSN: 1750-6220
Article publication date: 1 April 2014
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to quantify the potentials for the development of combined heat and power (CHP) in Europe.
Design/methodology/approach
To this end, it uses the TIMES-EU energy-economic model and assesses the impact of key policy options and targets in the area of CO2 emissions reduction, renewable energies and energy efficiency improvements. The results are also compared with the cogeneration potentials as reported by the Member States in their national reports.
Findings
The paper shows that CHP output could be more than doubled and that important CHP penetration potential exists in expanding the European district heating systems. This result is even more pronounced with the far-reaching CO2 emissions reduction necessary in order to meet a long-term 2 degree target. Nevertheless, the paper also shows that strong CO2 emission reductions in the energy sector might limit the CHP potential due to increased competition for biomass with the transport sector.
Originality/value
Given the proven socio-economic benefits of using CHP, the paper identifies the areas for future research in order to better exploit the potential of this technology such as the combination of CHP and district cooling or country- and industry-specific options to generate process heat.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their gratitude to Patrik Soderholm and Amit Kanudia for the assistance and support provided during the course of the study.
Citation
Stankeviciute, L. and Krook Riekkola, A. (2014), "Assessing the development of combined heat and power generation in the EU", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 76-99. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-08-2012-0004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited