Q299. What does EPA mean by the term "sequential or simultaneous" in the definition of co-generation?

A299. 40 CFR Part 98 defines co-generation to mean a unit that produces electrical energy and useful thermal energy for industrial, commercial, or heating or cooling purposes, through the sequential or simultaneous use of the original fuel energy.  Co-generation systems may be "sequential or simultaneous" but in all cases co-generation involves onsite generation of electricity and useful thermal energy and some form of waste heat recovery.  For example, a gas turbine or reciprocating engine generates electricity by burning fuel (natural gas or biogas) and then uses a heat recovery unit to capture useful heat from the prime mover's exhaust stream.  Alternatively, steam turbines generate electricity as a byproduct of steam generation through a fired boiler.  There are also co generation systems in which the fuel input is first applied to a thermal process such as a furnace and at least some of the heat rejected from the process is then used for power production.