Inter-firm energy supply concepts: an option for cleaner energy production

For the economic and ecological assessment of investments in inter-firm energy supply concepts, a five-step methodology based on a simultaneous investment and long-term production model using a mixed-integer optimisation approach has been developed. This model has been complemented by a process simulation software to determine the necessary data and by a life cycle engineering software to calculate the resulting ecological effects. The methodology is applied to analyse the technical, economic and ecological implications resulting from an investment in an inter-firm energy supply concept. Computational results reveal that the installation of a combined cycle power plant to meet the specific energy demand of the inter-firm network is a promising option to contribute to sustainable development.