July 8, 2009—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has presented Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) awards to two organizations for using highly efficient CHP systems to reduce energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. CHP (cogeneration, or the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from a single fuel source) is 60 to 80 percent more efficient than producing heat and power separately, explains EPA.
Consolidated Edison CHP System of New York received an award for using a CHP system that produces up to 360 megawatts (MW) of electricity, reportedly enough to power most of Manhattan. It is considered the largest district steam system in the world and is also a key contributor to New York City’s electricity supply. The CHP system operates at 75 percent of its optimal thermal and energy levels, better than the industry average, reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions from approximately 150,000 cars.
Duquesne University Energy Center in Pittsburgh received an award for its usage of a 5 MW CHP system. This is Pennsylvania’s first approved distributed generation system (onsite distribution only) for creating alternative energy credits, notes EPA. With an operating efficiency of nearly 65 percent, it effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions from approximately 1,700 autos.
EPA has a CHP partnership that seeks to reduce the environmental impact of power generation. The agency works closely with energy users, the CHP industry, state and local governments, and other interested parties to support the development of new projects that have significant energy, environmental, and economic benefits.
