RENEWABLE ENERGY

CHP

Combined Heat and Power is the simultaneous production of heat and electricity through a single source of power.

An internal combustion engine fed from a single source of fuel, such as natural gas or LPG, a CHP system can produce usable amounts of both heat and electricity for use in the home. The Government's Microgeneration Strategy has identified Micro-CHP as one of the key technologies which offers realistic and cost efficient alternative to centrally generated electricity. In addition it is well documented that the burning of those fossil fuels is causing a build up of greenhouse gases that is contributing to global warming. In light of this, it makes sense to make the best possible use of our natural resources. It is clear that we need to produce cleaner energy, and microgeneration can help us to address this issue at grass roots level - in our own homes.

Key features and benefits

• For the environment: electricity generated close to where it is to be used has fewer carbon emissions and is much more efficient

• For the householder: saving money on energy bills. In addition, it may be possible to sell unused electricity back to the local grid

• For specifiers and house builders: micro-CHP offers an effective way of meeting the UK Government's targets towards zero carbon homes