Full Title: Combined Heat and Power: A Clean Energy Solution
Author(s): U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publisher(s): U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date: August 1, 2012
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Combined heat and power (CHP) is an efficient and clean approach to generating electric power and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source. Instead of purchasing electricity from the distribution grid and burning fuel in an on-site furnace or boiler to produce thermal energy, an industrial or commercial facility can use CHP to provide both energy services in one energy-efficient step. The average efficiency of power generation in the United States has remained at 34 percent since the 1960s — the energy lost in wasted heat from power generation in the U.S. is greater than the total energy use of Japan. CHP captures this waste energy and uses it to provide heating and cooling to factories and businesses, saving them money and improving the environment. CHP is a commercially available clean energy solution that directly addresses a number of national priorities including improving the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing, increasing energy efficiency, reducing emissions, enhancing our energy infrastructure, improving energy security and growing our economy.