Combined Heat and Power
Combining heat and power generation is a practical innovation gaining
momentum in Houston.
Using the heat that is normally dumped into lakes and wasted at power plants is one way to conserve and make better use of energy.
Power plants generate a lot of heat in the process of producing electricity. But they are generally located too far away from the energy consumer to use that heat as an energy source.
An innovative way to use heat energy for fuel is called combined heat and power or C-H-P. It involves technologies that produce both electricity and steam from a single fuel at a facility located near the place where the energy will be used.
The advantages of CHP are continuous electrical and thermal energy to all or part of the facility; lower operating costs through more efficient fuel use; the ability of a facility to operate during grid outages and emergencies; and reduced nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. By obtaining their heat and power needs together, CHP users conserve more energy and save more money than they would by obtaining gas and electrical service separately.
Encourage your local state and national representatives to support innovative
ways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Cleaner air, better reliability
and a cooler planet can be the result.