29 May 2008

Green, greener, greenest

Sure, there are the greenest ways to generate power -- wind and geothermal, say. But green also means making current operations greener. For example, using fossil fuels more efficiently. One way is through combined heat and power (CHP), or cogeneration. That's the idea behind this 79-page PDF document from Energy Business Reports, specifically,
CHP or a bottoming cycle captures the by-product heat for domestic or industrial heating purposes, either very close to the plant, or for distribution through pipes to heat local housing.

In Europe, the use of CHP presents a substantial potential for increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impacts. It is considered to be a priority area for many Member States. The efficient use of fuel, in simultaneous production of heat and power, can offer energy savings and avoid CO2 emissions compared with separate production of heat and power. In addition, development in the use of fuels used in CHP applications show a trend toward cleaner fuels.

Seems a bit pricey at $297, though, I think.

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