Cogeneration and self-generation for energy agility

Agile manufacturers depend on low cost, abundant electricity to remain competitive in the global marketplace. Self-generation of electricity or cogeneration of electricity and thermal energy at the manufacturer's location can provide both economical and uninterrupted service. Generation methods are standby, peak-shaving, baseload, commercial, and mobile generation. Each of these represents opportunities in agile manufacturing. The number of countries that have deregulated, market-driven electrical utilities are growing and will include most of Europe and the USA by 2005. The demands of agile manufacturing are to produce high-quality, market-sensitive products at the lowest possible cost in an environment that has constant dynamic changes. Cogeneration will provide both flexible and cost-efficient electricity as part of an overall energy strategy. Further, it will provide an agile energy resource that will complement the pursuit of competitive advantage in the global market for customized goods and services.