Combined heat and power (CHP) - efficient energy generation
Combined heat and power (CHP) production is an energy-efficient production technology. By generating both electricity and heat, it maximizes the use of the same fuel.
Increased efficiency
Using CHP increases the efficiency of fuel use – up to 90 % of the fuels can be utilised.
Fuel source flexibility
The CHP plants use various energy sources, e.g. biomass and waste.
CHP production addresses the need for resource and energy efficiency because over 90% of the fuel's primary energy is used to produce district heating and electricity simultaneously. CHP with biomass and waste in the fuel mix is a significant improvement compared to single source power and heat production with natural gas or coal.
In addition, CHP is a flexible power source and can balance the seasonality of electricity demand with intermittent production.
FAQ - Combined Heat and Power
Combined heat and power (CHP) maximises the energy efficiency by producing electricity and heat from a versatile mix of fuels in one production facility.
CHP plants capture and utilise the heat from the engine during electricity generation, providing both heat and electricity in one process. Additionally, during the summer months, the heat generated may be used to provide cooling for air conditioning.
We have CHP plants in Poland and Finland.
Most of our CHP plants are located in urban areas where there is a significant demand for district heating. Most of the plants have an additional condenser that allows for increased electricity production in the summer when demand for heat is low.
Impacts of CHP
As CHP production is based on fuel combustion, the main environmental impact is related to flue-gas emissions. Flue gas cleaning technologies can be used to help mitigate this.
In addition, bio-based fuels can provide 100% of the energy source or can be added to the mix, and advanced combustion techniques can be used to reduce sulphur emissions and nitrogen oxides.
Combustion process generates residual ash. Up to 50% of the CHP ash in Europe is used by the construction materials industry for earthworks and to fill up mines.
Our power plants
Get to know our hydro, wind, solar, nuclear and CHP power plants.