Natural gas is a key fuel input for energy systems that represent new technologies with opportunities for reduced air emissions, higher system efficiency, and greater reliability.
Combined heat and power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, is the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from a single fuel source – such as natural gas. Natural gas fuels 73% of existing CHP capacity in the U.S. Total generating capacity in the U.S. from CHP in 2008 was 85 gigawatts, representing 9% of total generating capacity.
The U.S. EPA notes that "gas turbines produce a high quality (high temperature) thermal output suitable for most combined heat and power applications...There is a significant amount of gas turbine based CHP capacity operating in the United States located at industrial and institutional facilities. Much of this capacity is concentrated in large combined-cycle CHP systems that maximize power production for sale to the grid. However, a significant number of simple-cycle gas turbine based CHP systems are in operation at a variety of applications including oil recovery, chemicals, paper production, food processing, and universities."
CHP is environmentally beneficial. EPA reports that, “because of their relatively high efficiency and reliance on natural gas as the primary fuel, gas turbines emit substantially less carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilowatt-hour (kWh) generated than any other fossil technology in general commercial use."
Northeast states have programs underway to advance CHP as an option for commercial and industrial applications.
Fuel Cells use "hydrogen as the fuel in an electrochemical process, similar to what occurs in a battery, that generates electricity" (EPA). The primary fuel source for the fuel cell is hydrogen, which can be obtained from natural gas and other fuels containing hydrocarbons. Fuel cells provide great advancements in efficiency and lower emissions. The National Academies of Science noted in an Oct. 2009 report that, looking ahead, "natural gas-powered fuel cells could become mainstream and generate significant amounts of electricity."
For Further Information
U.S. EPA’s CHP Partnership
Northeast Combined Heat & Power Initiative
NYSERDA
MA Dept. of Energy Resources |
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