July 17, 2009—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for up to $40 million in research, development, and demonstration of combined heat and power (CHP) systems, based on annual appropriations.
This funding will accelerate the development and deployment of CHP technologies and systems to work towards a goal of increasing U.S. electricity generation capacity from CHP. DOE will provide up to 50 percent of these cost-shared awards.
Specifically, this solicitation will seek applications for funding of research, development and demonstration of stationary CHP systems at large, medium, and small power output levels. The R&D will focus on increasing the efficiency and reducing GHG emissions of stationary CHP systems. These systems will be able to replace or reduce natural gas usage as well as minimize the energy and cost penalties of meeting emission regulations, says DOE.
Combined Heat and Power technologies—those that co-produce heat and electricity—can be deployed in industrial, commercial and residential settings to improve efficiency, control costs, and limit greenhouse gas emissions. CHP and District Energy Systems can reportedly achieve efficiencies of 80% or better compared to roughly 45% for conventional heat and power production.
The Industrial Technologies Program (ITP), part of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, is DOE’s lead organization for CHP Research and Development. ITP is advancing CHP as an efficient energy solution that supports the Obama Administration’s strategy of revitalizing the American economy, enhancing the nation’s energy security, and combating climate change.
