What is Combined Heat & Power (CHP)?

Combined Heat & Power (CHP) is an extremely efficient way of producing usable heat and generating electricity simultaneously at the point of use from a single fuel. CHP offers an economic and environmentally friendly alternative to meeting thermal and electrical demands in many applications.

There are a number of different types of CHP available ranging from small reciprocating engine solutions, to large gas turbine and steam turbine derivatives. Selection of the appropriate type depends upon the application for which CHP is being considered.

By generating heat and electricity from a single source, CHP can deliver overall fuel efficiencies well in excess of 75%. When compared with electricity generated from a centralised power station, and the use of heat only boilers, CHP can reduce primary energy needs by up to 30%. This can considerably reduce energy costs and deliver significant reductions in harmful greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO₂).