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CHP reduces energy costs and emissions by using energy resources more efficiently. In conventional conversion of fuel to electricity, over two-thirds of the energy input is discarded as heat to the environment and not used for productive purposes. CHP makes greater use of fuel inputs by utilizing the discarded heat with system potential efficiencies from 60 to 80. The industry's CHP Program goal, which DOE is supporting, is to double the capacity of CHP in the United States to 92 GW by 2010.
One may think that CHP would be ubiquitous given its advantages over conventional generation of electricity and heat. However, there are regulatory and policy barriers for installing and operating CHP, which must be addressed. The DE program is supporting CHP outreach and education projects to help eliminate regulatory and policy barriers. Specific information on regulatory and policy issues is available.
Additionally, to reach the 92 GW goal, specific research, development, and deployment activities have been designed and implemented, including the development of analytical tools for measuring the opportunities for CHP and the effectiveness of current installed projects and the creation and support of Regional CHP Application Centers. A number of DE-supported projects examine the benefits of CHP, identify and report on case studies and share lessons learned that can benefit future other organizations and institutions that wish to install CHP in their facilities. A number of CHP installations are being examined to analyze emissions data and credits for CHP, as well as to identify and develop guidance for development of emissions standards into the future. Statistical and program information from these activities is disseminated throughout the country, through a series of national and regional meetings designed to share both successes and challenges that remain in the installation of CHP facilities. All of these projects increase awareness of, and confidence in, CHP technologies and systems, and their benefits in terms of efficiency and emissions.
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