Combined Heat and Power Focus

DECC's Free resource supporting the development of CHP

CHP Helpline 0845 365 5153

What is Combined heat and power?

image comparing conventional generation methods and CHP

 

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is the simultaneous generation of usable heat and power (usually electricity) in a single process.

The heat generated during this process is supplied to an appropriately matched heat demand that would otherwise be met by a conventional boiler. CHP systems are highly efficient, making use of the heat which would otherwise be wasted when generating electrical or mechanical power. This allows heat requirements to be met that would otherwise require additional fuel to be burnt.

For many organisations, CHP is the measure that offers the most significant single opportunity to reduce energy costs and to improve environmental performance with existing users of CHP typically saving around 20% of their energy costs.

 What are the advantages of CHP?
  • CHP typically has an efficiency of over 80%.
  • Operators can save up to 30% on energy bills.
  • Operators can save up to 20% on carbon emissions.
  • Transmission and distribution losses are reduced.
  • Increases fuel supply security.

Other Topics:

 

Next: Who should consider CHP

What's New

UK Heatmap

UK Heatmap

The UK Heat Map

UK Heatmap Screenshot

The UK heat map has been developed as a tool aimed at assisting power station developers consider the opportunities for combined heat and power (CHP) as required under planning policy. However it can also be used by both small and large organisations to help identify the locations where CHP, renewable heat plants and district heating would have the greatest technical and economic potential, and therefore the largest positive environmental impact.

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