The Advantages of CHP

The main advantages to customers of using CHP are:

• Reduced energy costs;
• Enhanced security of energy supply;
• Reduced CO2 emissions, making a valuable contribution to the environment, particularly in light of Ireland’s Kyoto Protocol obligations;
• Conservation of valuable fuel resources.

The full advantage of natural gas-fired CHP technology is achieved when the production of power and heat is combined. For this to be technically and economically feasible, it generally requires a simultaneous demand for heat and electricity on the premises, for a minimum of 14 hours per day or around 5,000 hours per annum.

The development of gas turbines has increased the attractiveness of cogeneration for particular industrial applications. By changing from separate systems producing heat and power to a single industrial unit considerable amounts of energy are saved.

Typically, up to 85 per cent of the primary energy is used in industrial CHP or cogeneration systems: a very high level of efficiency compared to all other forms of conventional generation.

In particular, combined heat and power offers Irish industry two main benefits: It represents a highly efficient use of energy, which means lower costs for energy users (which in turn enhances Ireland’s industrial competitiveness); CHP also delivers significant emissions reductions (particularly with natural gas as a fuel). In addition to better local air quality CHP can make a significant contribution to reducing Ireland’s emissions of carbon dioxide.

CHP Greenhouse Gas Impact Estimated net reduction in emissions per kWh of Gas electricity produced (g/kWh) CO2 1,000 SO2 17 NOx 4.6 CO (3) CH4 3.9 Source: SEI An Examination of the Future Potential of CHP in Ireland Ranking the forms of electricity production by the environmental impact of their fuel sources rates CHP as being relatively benign when compared to conventional sources of generation i.e. Coal – Oil – Peat – Combined Cycle Gas Turbine – CHP – Renewables.

The impact of installing increased CHP capacity on CO2 emissions forms part of the National Climate Change Strategy. The strategy sets a CO2 reduction target of 0.25Mt implying around 250 MWe of newly installed CHP. The environmental benefits of installing CHP are significant and the emissions savings are shown in the table above.

JOIN THE ICHPA MAILING LIST

Keep up to date with CHP in Ireland - Join our mailing list! Name: * Required email: * Required Organisation: Position:     The Irish CHP Association will not sell or share your email address with anyone

Questions/Comments? | Irish CHP Association Contact Information | Links

© Irish CHP Association. Last Updated: Fri 13 May 2005.