Power: energy management

CHP feasability studies

Combined Heat and Power(CHP) systems can provide a secure and highly efficient method of generating electricity and heat at the point of use. With the utilisation of heat from power generation plus the avoidance of transmission losses due to electricity being generated on site, CHP is typically 35 per cent more efficient in primary energy usage compared with power stations. Consequently CHP users can make financial savings where there is an appropriate balance between heat and power loads.

Over the last decade, CHP capacity in the UK has more than doubled, representing an average growth rate over the period of 7 per cent per annum. A growth rate of 9% was achieved in 1999 with a net increase in capacity of 354 MWe. With the benefits of Climate Change Levy exemption on gas supply to and exported power from "quality" CHP plant there has never been a better time to review opportunities for CHP.

Halcrow have considerable experience in assessing the feasibility of using CHP in a number of industry sectors including:

	hospitals
	universities
	leisure Centres
	manufacturing
	defence applications

Financial assistance with CHP feasibility studies can be obtained as part of the Governments Action Energy Programme.