What is a CHP unit that is being considered to replace Unit 9? Why does a CHP unit have such high efficiency?

A Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit produces electrical and thermal energy from a single fuel source. A CHP unit captures heat normally lost in the products of electricity and uses it to create steam for an industrial process. By capturing and using heat that would otherwise be lost, a CHP unit can achieve efficiencies of 65-75% compared to 30-50% for typical technologies. Due to this efficiency, CHP units have been endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE), and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)>

Our Director of Power Production and Supply, Doug White, described a CHP system during our May 2021 Customer Forum. Here’s a video of that explanation.

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