Combined heat and power: A real alternative when carefully implemented

Abstract During the remainder of 1992, a series of papers regarding combined heat and power (CHP) will be published in Energy Policy . In this article the guest editor highlights some aspects of this many sided and complex technology. Starting from the thermodynamic basic, he considers the main characteristics of jointly generated heat and power outputs. After an overview of the technologies the very different nature of independent versus utility CHP is discussed. The factors determining the economic feasibility are listed with an emphasis on the performance of energy markets linked to CHP. This naturally leads to policy questions. The future of CHP seems less dependent on thermodynamic certainties than on institutional and policy decision making.