Final answer:
The statement that cogeneration systems can achieve efficiencies of almost 80% is true. Cogeneration utilizes waste heat from electricity generation for heating, significantly increasing overall energy efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is addressing the efficiencies of different power generation configurations, specifically the efficiency rate of cogeneration systems. Cogeneration is a method where excess thermal energy produced during electricity generation is utilized for heating, which greatly improves the overall energy efficiency of the system. In simple cycle configurations, where fuel is burned to generate electricity directly, about 34% of the energy results in electricity. In combined cycle configurations, where waste heat from electricity generation is used to generate additional electricity, about 50% of the heat flow results in electricity. With cogeneration, the use of waste heat for heating boosts efficiencies to higher levels. The statement that efficiencies of almost 80% can be realized with cogeneration systems is true. This high efficiency is due to the utilization of waste heat for additional purposes, which would otherwise be released into the environment as an energy loss.