Combined heat and power (CHP) workshop maps out natural gas-fuelled path forward for delivering affordable, efficient energy

CALGARY, May 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Representatives from government, utilities, technology providers, and developers participated in a workshop to advance Combined Heat and Power Technology (CHP) in Alberta.

"At a time when electricity prices continue to climb across the country, it is important to look at any opportunity to better utilize natural gas and the natural gas delivery infrastructure to ensure access to clean and affordable energy" said CGA President Timothy M. Egan, "CHP is a technology that delivers electricity and heat, maximizes system efficiency, reduces environmental impacts, and keeps energy affordable."

The workshop, hosted by the Canadian Gas Association and facilitated by Alberta-based C3, engaged representatives from provincial and municipal governments, utilities, technology providers and developers in Alberta. The participants were tasked with identifying barriers, recommending solutions, and offering an action plan that would allow CHP to advance in 'MUSH' (municipal, university, schools and hospitals) and the small industrial sectors.

CHP is the dual use of an engine to generate electricity as well as heat. Advances in this technology allow it to be used at many different scales - from family homes, to commercial buildings, to large scale industrial facilities. Fuelled by clean and affordable natural gas, these units are up to 45% more efficient than conventional power plants, up to 40% less emitting, and provide reliability and security of power supply to the end user.

Despite advantages, CHP technology faces significant barriers for broader use in Alberta and Canada - including a lack of awareness of the technology and its benefits and the absence of clear interconnection process and thermal regulations.

"Getting the maximum value out of the energy we use is the advantage of CHP. It represents a cost efficient, energy efficient and secure form of energy. It is something that should be considered when developing new facilities and retrofitting existing facilities as it advances triple bottom line investment", said Simon Knight, President and CEO of C3.

The CHP workshop concluded with a commitment from participants to work on action items to help make CHP a popular and viable option to meet the energy needs of Canadians. The results of the workshop will be presented in a report later this month and will build the foundation for a second CHP Workshop to be held in Toronto in the fall of 2013.

CGA is the voice of Canada's natural gas distribution industry. Our members are distribution companies, transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and other service providers. Today, natural gas meets 30% of Canada's energy needs and Canadian natural gas distribution companies serve approximately 6.3 million customers - over half of all Canadians in their homes and at work.  www.cga.ca

C3 is an Alberta-based non-profit that encourages energy efficiency and the small-scale use of alternative energy sources. http://www.climatechangecentral.com/

SOURCE: Canadian Gas Association

Paula Dunlop
Director, Public Affairs and Strategy
Canadian Gas Association
Tel: [phone] x341 | Cell: 613-614-3280

Jennifer McCarron
Senior Manager, Communications
C3
403-517-2729