Technology
In addition to the traditional simple and combined cycle natural gas fuelled power plants, combined heat and power plants offer a highly efficient method of generating electricity.
Combined heat and power (CHP) projects are appealing to industrial and institutional hosts as by products like steam and hot water can also be utilized. Natural gas is widely used for electricity generation worldwide.
Combined heat and power projects are also adaptable in the fact that they can utilize multiple types of input fuels, such as industrial by-product gasses and landfill gas.
Combined Heat and Power (Cogeneration)
Combined heat and power (CHP) plants produce electricity and thermal energy from a common fuel source.
CHP Systems often exceed efficiencies of the best centralized power plants when taking account fuel input as well as transmission and distribution losses since they are placed at the site of the electrical and thermal load(s).
There is greater emphasis on capturing heat (a by-product of electricity generation) throughout the process. Therefore, it is common for CHP systems to exhibit efficiencies of 70 to 90%.
Industrial electricity consumers benefit from CHP plants as they can generate electricity to power local industrial activities as well as other sources of energy that may be used for other industrial processes, or sold to neighbouring consumers for additional revenue.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Contracts
As of October 31, 2009, the OPA is managing 429 MW of CHP contracts.
Under Development and Construction
Becker Cogeneration Plant (15 MW) - Hornepayne
East Windsor Cogeneration Centre (84 MW) - Windsor
In Commercial Operation
Algoma Energy Cogeneration Facility (63 MW) - Sault Ste. Marie
Durham College District Energy (2.3 MW) - Oshawa
Great Northern Tri-Gen Facility (11.3 MW) - Kingsville