CHP Supplies Clean and Reliable Energy

    What is Combined Heat & Power?

CHP Provides a Profitable Path to “Going Green”

CHP is an integrated set of technologies for the simultaneous, on-site production of electricity and useful heat.

The hallmark of CHP is exceptional energy efficiency. This is achieved by making use of the heat produced during power generation and avoiding the losses from transmission over the grid.

Today, CHP offers an economical way to achieve multiple national goals:

Save energy (more than 1.8% of annual U.S. energy use)

Reduce CO emissions (248 million metric tons annually)

 Boost competitiveness, job creation, and energy security

Nations around the globe seek to prevent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from rising with projected increases in energy demand. CHP is an affordable option to reduce energy intensity, stimulate competitiveness, and curtail carbon emissions.

DOE's technology advances and market transformation efforts have already helped to establish CHP in many large industrial applications. Continuing efforts to improve CHP reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness are opening new opportunities in smaller industrial applications, commercial buildings, and elsewhere

If CHP were to supply 20% of U.S. electricity generating capacity by 2030, the projected increases in CO2 emissions would be cut by 60%.

DOE Supports Technology R&D

​The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its partners provide the technology advances and technical assistance necessary to increase the use of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) across America. CHP provides efficient, clean, reliable, and affordable energy for today and the future.

Hospitals, universities, and manufacturers have installed hundreds of CHP systems because they offer a cost-effective way to meet their energy requirements. As more businesses and institutions take steps to “green” their campuses, they find that CHP technology is not only more affordable than other options it provides a net cost savings.

CHP already produces more than 20% of the electricity in some European nations. Their climates, building densities, and energy policies support this high level of CHP penetration. While America cannot replicate these conditions, much can be done to overcome the barriers that now limit the adoption of CHP.

The United States Lags Other Nations in CHP Usage Relative to Total Power Capacity

CHP is a realistic, near-term option for large energy efficiency improvements and significant CO2 reductions.
CHP can reduce CO2 emissions, offset imported energy, create job opportunities, and improve local economies. The adoption of CHP empowers individuals, companies, and communities by providing local energy solutions.

·  Provides the reliable and affordable energy service that is required for economic growth

·  Improves the resiliency of our energy infrastructure

·  Operates with domestically produced and renewable fuels

·  Offers businesses security against service interruptions due to natural or man-made disasters·  Provides businesses and the nation with a competitive advantage from improved energy-efficienc

CHP stimulates the economy by utilizing local labor forces and largely domestically-produced components

New and improved CHP technologies are needed to expand current markets and open new opportunities. ITP research teams are working to achieve the following:

·  Maximize CHP energy efficiency.

·  Increase CHP fuel flexibility.

·  Capture additional waste streams.

·  Expand the variety of applications.

ITP's technology R&D program for CHP focuses on two main areas:

·  Component Technologies that improve efficiency, lower emissions, and facilitate new applications for advanced turbines, advanced reciprocating engine systems, microturbines, and thermally activated technologies

·  Integrated Energy Systems with “plug and play” capability for new markets at commercial and small industrial facilities.