What if electricity and heat could be generated simultaneously? Think about energy generation on a small scale, like your household. Imagine if the same source that powered your lights and turned on your television would also heat your water and home. This two-for-one type of energy generation would maximize energy efficiency as well as cut down on the amount of wasted energy and high energy prices. Now imagine if we could apply this technology on a larger scale e.g., industrial sites or commercial buildings. The possibilities in monetary savings and environmental impact are great.

The idea of higher efficiency and lower cost by way of fewer steps is enticing. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has taken this energy-saving idea and run with it. Through the DOE’s Combined Heat and Power (CHP) program, the cogeneration of heat and electricity has been taken to the streets with the support of research, market transformations, and a strong foundation of integrated energy systems.

 …