The impact of CHP generation on CO2 emissions

The combined generation of heat and power (CHP) is considered a technique for saving energy and therefore also a means of reducing emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). The impact of some major variables on the CO2 emission reduction capacity of cogeneration is discussed. Two sets of variables are predominant - the characteristics of the CHP process and the composition of the electricity generation sector. A connection between both major groups of variables is presented diagramatically. Although the diagrams cannot offer cardinal information about CO2 emissions, they provide a fast and ready tool for screening the CO2 performance of CHP under various conditions. When different taxes are levied on the various fuels, the divergence between money and carbon savings can be made obvious by superimposing one diagram on another.