CHP Technology

Only 30-50% of the energy generated in the creation of electricity actually converts into electricity. The rest becomes heat, which is often wasted. Combined Heat and Power technology uses that heat, increasing the efficiency of the electricity generating process.

According to the Combined Heat and Power Association, "Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology is now in use in a large and growing number of locations in the UK and it is likely that there will be at least double of today's 3.8GW of capacity by the year 2010. This will bring with it many environmental gains including significant reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases."

There is great potential for CHP in the industrial sector, which will present opportunities for ‘exporting' surplus electricity to third parties. The system is likely to be suitable for sites which operate continuously, or for a large part of the day. CHP is also useful for community heating systems.

The Carbon Trust's downloadable publications includes a useful guide to the technology.