Oct. 27, 2011: Combined Heat and Power Market Growth Varies From State to State
CHP, sometimes known as cogeneration, produces both electricity and thermal energy from a single fuel input and provides highly efficient energy by maximizing the energy value of various fuels. CHP is said to produce energy twice as efficiently as standard centralized energy generation. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that CHP provides over 12 percent of U.S. electricity generation. Since 2005, over 1,700 MW of capacity has been added due to new CHP system deployment, but that deployment has been unevenly distributed around the country.
“CHP markets differ considerably among states,” said Anna Chittum, ACEEE senior policy analyst and lead author. “This report shows that building a favorable CHP market requires more than just good policies, such as interconnection standards and tax incentives. The current economic recession and missing access to retail power markets continue to negatively impact CHP markets in many states, and prevent CHP from reaching its full potential around the country.”
Over 50 CHP developers and supporters were interviewed for the report to determine which states are attractive for CHP deployment and which ones are viewed as non-starters by those in the CHP community. Greater support from the electric utility sector and the removal of burdensome standby power rates were identified as ways CHP markets could be improved. The report also finds that support from policymakers varies considerably from state to state, presenting CHP developers with a mixed policy landscape in which to attempt greater project deployment.
“CHP represents an important energy resource that could meet a significant portion of projected needs for new electricity generation investments over the coming decade,” said Dr. Neal Elliott, ACEEE associate director for research. “This report identifies areas that each state and the country as a whole must work on to better encourage CHP so that we can realize the full benefits of this resource.”
For more information, visit www.aceee.org.
Publication date: 10/24/2011
Looking for quick answers on air conditioning, heating and refrigeration topics? Try Ask ACHR NEWS, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ACHR NEWS
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
