Benefits of Combined Heat & Power (CHP)

CHP offers energy cost savings derived from reducing the amount of electricity imported from the local supply company, and the displacement of fuel used by other heating appliances at the site. For every unit of electricity generated by the CHP plant around two units of usable heat is produced through the use of internal heat exchangers, or external heat recovery equipment. This heat can be used to help satisfy process requirements, for space heating or for the production of domestic hot water.

Electricity is generated by centralised power stations at an efficiency typically between 30% and 40%, with much of the waste heat released into the atmosphere. By generating electricity at the point of use, and fully utilising the available heat output, CHP offers significant reductions in CO₂ emissions, helping to sustain a clean environment for future generations.

Other benefits offered by CHP include an increase in electricity supply security, when appropriately configured, and the possible avoidance of costs associated with electricity infrastructure upgrades. CHP also offers low visual impact on the landscape compared with large electricity generators.