CHP - Combined Heat & Power
Introduction
In the 2006 Budget, the Minister of Finance announced the allocation of 65 million to “launch several innovative grant schemes relating to biofuels, combined heat and power, biomass commercial heaters and domestic renewable heat grants”. An indicative allocation of €11m was made for a CHP programme to run in the 2006 to 2010 time frame. The SEI CHP Deployment Programme provides grant support to assist the deployment of small-scale (<1MWe) fossil fired CHP and biomass (anaerobic digestion (AD) and wood residue) CHP systems. It supersedes the Combined Heat and Power R D & D Programme.
The programme includes feasibility studies to assist investigation into the application of CHP across all size ranges and technologies and investment grant support for small-scale fossil fired CHP with a capacity 50kWe and < 1MWe.
What is CHP?
CHP, often referred to as cogeneration, is the combined production of heat and power in a single process. It takes advantage of the heat rejected in the thermo-dynamic conversion process from primary fuel to power. This heat is then supplied for useful purposes. It therefore typically saves around 25% of the energy that would have been required to produce electricity in a conventional power station and heat in separate heat-only boilers. The vast majority of CHP users in Ireland qualify as auto-producers i.e. they produce electricity for use on a single premises. A small number hold a licence to supply electricity. Therefore, for most CHP users, although the CHP unit is connected to and synchronised with the electricity system,payment is made for any additional electricity units imported, but no payment is given for any surplus units exported. Larger schemes are more likely to actively participate in the electricity market, where a spill payment is made for exported electricity.
The most promisingmarkets for CHP in Ireland include:
- Hotels
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Leisure centres
- Universities
- Schools
- Residential group housing schemes
- Retail parks
- Commercial and public offices
The benefits of CHP
The benefits of CHP when compared to importing electricity and using boilers to generate heat include:
- Reduced energy costs
- CO2 emissions savings
- Independence and security of power supply
- Conservation of valuable fuel resources
The benefits of CHP
The benefits of CHP when compared to importing electricity and using boilers to generate heat include:
- Reduced energy costs
- CO2 emissions savings
- Independence and security of power supply
- Conservation of valuable fuel resources
How we can help your business?
Enerfina have partnered with reputable CHP companies to deliver quality solutions to clients. our approach is straightforward and focuses on finding the right CHP solution for teh client; the steps we take are:
- Assess your company's Energy Demand/usage profile
- Determine what cost-saving technology options are viable
- If CHP is viable - assess which of our partners has the most appropriate solution
- Engage our partner to prepare a detailed cost-benefit analysis and quote
- Manage the engagement throughout the life of the project.
Next Steps
If you would like to find out more about CHP options for your company, please call 0818.333.677 or e-mail us at info@enerfina.com to arrange a meeting.