New Partnership Promotes Co-Generation

Compiled ByJill Jusko The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has joined with 17 major corporations, city and state governments, and nonprofit organizations to create the Combined Heat and Power Partnership. Combined heat and power (CHP), also known as co-generation, is described by the EPA as a "highly efficient" form of electric generation that recycles and uses heat that is normally lost under traditional power combustion methods. CHP captures the leftover heat, providing a source of heating and air conditioning in the area around a power plant. As a partner in the program, the EPA will provide public recognition of CHP projects. It also will support accelerated development of new projects through education, streamlined permitting and the provision of technical tools and services. Other program partners agreed to work with the EPA to develop and promote the benefits of new CHP projects. All 17 founding partners are already using CHP systems, says the EPA. Those projects represent more than 5,800 megawatts of power-generating capacity, an amount capable of serving almost 6 million households. The EPA plans to launch a Web site for the Combined Heat and Power Partnership by year's end.