Who can benefit from Combined Heat and Power?

If your business works with a demand for electricity and a similar demand for heat in the same or in nearby buildings, you should consider using a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system.

Businesses that will benefit the most from using a CHP system are usually those with a constant heat demand, whether the heat is used as steam for industrial processes, hot water and space heating, or used to supply cooling through absorption chillers. Examples might include:

• the industrial sector - such as paper, chemical and food and drink businesses
• hospitals
• residential homes
• office and tower blocks
• leisure centres
• universities
• retail establishments
• hotels
• commercial greenhouses.

Individual businesses that do not have a constant heat demand may find that in periods of low demand they are able to export excess heat through a district heating network. As an added benefit, the business may be able to generate revenue from heat sales.

Further information

• Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy: Combined Heat and Power guidance. How the UK supports the use of combined heat and power (CHP) or 'cogeneration', which avoids network losses and reduces emissions.
• Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy: CHP Focus: UK CHP Development Map