Cleveland Thermal Chilled Water Distribution, LLC is proposing to build the city's first commercial cogeneration plant at E. 26th Street and Lakeside Avenue. The proposal relies on an agreement to sell and distribute the electricity with a provider such as Cleveland Public Power.

While a few private cogeneration plants exist in Cleveland (the largest of which is at the Mittal Steel site), no commercial cogeneration plants have been built. Cleveland Thermal Chilled Water Distribution, LLC produces steam and chilled water services at its E. 18th Street and Hamilton and Canal Road plants, and moves it through a network of underground steam pipes. Many of the older downtown buildings pay for its steam heat and chilled water services.

"I think that this is a very important energy resource to consider for the health and economic vitality of our region," says Cleveland Sustainability Programs Manager Andrew Watterson.

First, EcoCity Cleveland has agreed to hire a consulting engineer to review Cleveland Thermal's proposal for its environmental best practices and economic feasibility. The consultant's report will be submitted to the city of Cleveland before it makes a recommendation to city-owned Cleveland Public Power.

Cogeneration can play a role in improving Cleveland's energy future and the region's air quality because it doubles the efficiency of conventional coal-burning electricity plants. Cleveland Thermal also benefits — by adding capacity, it becomes a more stable heat and power provider. 

How does cogeneration fit into the regional agenda for an advanced energy future? For example, has electric utility deregulation made the business environment more or less favorable to "new" technologies and regional distribution networks?

Share your thoughts on the topic here.

Read the RFP for a consulting engineer to examine building a cogeneration plant in Cleveland here.