Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technologies take advantage of the waste heat rejected from onsite power generation to provide additional services to the facility within which it is installed. This approach is used to reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency and reduce the emission of environmentally harmful gases.

There are a wide range of technologies that can be used in this manner: on the power generatingside there are reciprocating engines, gas turbines, microturbines and fuel cells while the heat absorbing equipment is even more diverse including: hot water heating, steam generators, absorption chillers, desiccant units, greenhouses and brick dryers.

To see how this technology is being used in the Pacific region go to the regional information page. For a full overview of the technology visit the national CHP website maintained by the US DOE.

Other useful resources:

• Mid-West CHP Application Center - the first application center in the US and a wealth of information about installations in it's region
• US DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energysite - the branch of the DOE that supports this center and other energy efficiency efforts nationally