The cogeneration sector claims that its development will be called upon in the coming years, to play an essential role in Belgium’s energy provision. Undoubtedly, the cogeneration concept is part of the overall plan for the closure of nuclear power stations, anticipated for 2025. Cogeneration power stations are currently supplying 18% of energy consumed in Belgium. They are likely to supply an additional capacity of 1,000 megawatts by 2025, according to the sector organisation Cogen. De Standaard is reporting the details of the project on Monday.
The publication states that the power stations will generate the equivalent electricity to a large nuclear power station. ELIA (Belgium’s electricity generator) has estimated that 8 to 9 gas-fired power stations may be necessary to compensate for the planned closure of the nuclear power stations in 2025. However, the cogeneration sector considers that the gas-fired power station demand may be reduced to 7, if the industry focuses upon the development of cogeneration.
Cogeneration power stations may be constructed far more quickly, and without European authorization, as is required for state aid to install gas-fired power stations.
The Brussels Times
