Cogeneration can meet power demand
XAYXANA LEUKAI
LAOS is studying the feasibility of using biomass, coal, waste wood products or gas for use as fuel in a process known as cogeneration, which is popular in some European countries. Director General of the Department of Electricity, Mr Houmphone Bulyaphol, on the occasion of Cogeneration Day yesterday said that cogeneration or the simultaneous production of electricity and heat were the most efficient tools for reducing the growth of greenhouse emissions.
The resulting pollutants are thought to be one of the main causes of climate change, and cogeneration can provide a contribution to sustainable development. "Cogeneration is a very new subject in Laos," Mr Houmphone said.
"Laos will make a positive contribution to the world efforts in addressing climate change issues," said Vice Minister of Industry and Handicraft, Mr Somboun Rasasombath. "Saving scarce oil resources through the development of renewable energy is one strategy."
"As we know, energy development is one of the prerequisites to achieving poverty alleviation objectives in Laos," Mr Houmphone said.
According to the First Secretary of the European Commission Delegation to Laos, Ms Josephine Kaliauckas, the EC-ASEAN COGEN programme phase 3 (COGEN 3) aims to use the experience of Europe in promoting the production of combined heat'and power through the implementation of clean and efficient cogeneration projects.
She said that the selected projects are being implemented all over the region and in several sectors such as sugar, rice, wood and, palm oil industries.
"This project will be an excellent showcase demonstrating technical reliability, economic viability and environmental friendliness," said Ms Kaliauckas Said.
Vice Minister of Industry and Handicrafts, Mr Somboun Rasasombath, pointed out that the project would support Government efforts to increase power generation from many sources and meet households' electricity demands. The target is to increase household coverage from the current 43 percent to 45 percent by 2005, 70 percent in 2010, and 90 percent in 2020.
In this connection, "Cogeneration is an energy efficient and proven technology that may support these goals," Mr Somboun said.
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