Towards large-scale implementation of cogeneration for a more sustainable energy supply of households in The Netherlands

The Netherlands are facing a large challenge in reaching the aims of the Kyoto protocol and the enforced European norms concerning air quality of urban areas. Moreover the newly formed cabinet of The Netherlands aims to become 'one of the most sustainable and most efficient energy providers in Europe'. Cogeneration is believed to have great potential to contribute to the ambitious goals and obligations of the Dutch government. The goal of this paper is to investigate whether cogeneration really has the potential to increase sustainability of energy provision in The Netherlands. It focuses on application of micro- and mini-cogeneration (capacity below 100 kWe) on a household scale. We will look at the efficiency of the cogeneration-systems and the different available technical cogeneration principles but also at their applicability and implementation. We conclude that micro-cogeneration does best fit the current energy system but is not the most sustainable option. The micro-cogeneration units that are most ready for the market at this moment - based on Stirling engines - will not be able to fulfil the energy needs of Dutch households appropriately. This is due to the technology that is used as well as the capacity. A larger engine, mini-cogeneration and another technology like fuel cells, piston or gas engines will increase electrical efficiency and with that save fuel, reduce exhaustion and costs. We end with a number of recommendations to stimulate the implementation of this technology.