S06 ORME 2 2022 Power - Schlumberger_Layout 1 16/03/2022 07:44 Page 20
Power
The benefits of
cogeneration Cogeneration technologies can play an important role in combating climate change, by substantially increasing energy efficiency and independence, while reducing fuel consumption and the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). HE USE OF co-generation (combined heat and power, CHP) allows the simultaneous production of electrical and thermal energy through the same conversion process, using a single primary energy source. This increases the energy efficiency of conversion systems, realising a primary energy saving compared to traditional generation. Leading genset provider Coelmo expands on some of the advantages: “Cogeneration aims to increase the overall efficiency of a power generation system that produces electricity by allowing the recovery of the heat that would normally be lost in traditional power generation processes. The advantages of cogeneration systems are numerous. The main advantage consists in a reduction of overall cost of the cogenerated electricity and heat compared to the cost of purchasing the two energy vectors separately. The gain in efficiency of cogeneration systems also leads to a reduction of the overall gas emissions and a reduction of energy waste. Having a cogeneration system also reduces the reliance from the mains grid, which can be beneficial in those situations where mains power has continuous interruption of sudden voltage fluctuations.” The company has wide experience in the design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of cogeneration systems from 40 to 4000 kW and has supplied cogeneration systems to customers in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and healthcare to water treatment plants and biomethane production plants. Coelmo provides turnkey cogeneration solutions starting from the initial customer energy plant audit up to the cogeneration plant management service, with
The advantages of cogeneration systems are numerous.” 20
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Issue 2 2022
Image Credit : Aramco
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Aramco operates a number of cogeneration systems on its projects.
use of the most advanced remote monitoring and predictive maintenance tools. Caterpillar, which offers a wide range of CHP generators ranging from 400 to 4,000 kW, comments, “Combined heat and power (CHP) can help to confront climate change challenges on both fronts: as an electric and thermal energy generation resource with lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than other generation options, and as a resilient asset that can keep the lights on during grid outages. CHP can play a significant role in decarbonising the electricity, buildings, and industrial sectors. CHP systems require less fuel inputs for the same energy outputs, have a high capacity factor allowing them to displace high-emitting marginal grid resources, and can enable the addition of intermittent renewable resources to the grid by providing a consistent source of power.” In the Middle East oil and gas sector, Saudi Aramco operates a number of cogeneration plants on its projects, and has done so for several years. “Cogeneration systems are a major component of our strategy to be efficient in
our use of energy and achieve 100% selfsufficiency in electrical power generation for our operating plants,” says Aramco. “Cogeneration enables us to produce electricity as a natural byproduct of our operations and reduces our energy consumption from the national utility grid. “New operating facilities include grassroots cogeneration systems and we are retrofitting existing plants. We have added 1,318 megawatts of new power capacity at our facilities by completing a number of cogeneration projects, including the expansion of facilities at our Shaybah and Wasit plants. “The adoption of cogeneration technology helps us promote energy efficiency, lower the energy intensity of our operating plants, add value to our hydrocarbon resources, and protect the environment.” In 2021 Aramco retendered its planned independent steam and power producer (ISPP) project in Jafurah, with the contract expected to be awarded some time in 2022. The project will be developed under a publicprivate partnership (PPP) structure, with the
