Kraftvarmeproduktion

Kraftvarmeproduktion, or combined heat and power (CHP) production, is the simultaneous generation of electricity and usable heat from a single energy source in a single plant or system. The produced heat is typically supplied to district heating networks, industrial processes, or building heating, while electricity is sold to the grid or used on-site.

The key advantage is higher overall energy efficiency. By capturing and utilizing the heat that would otherwise be wasted in conventional power generation, CHP systems can achieve total system efficiencies well above those of separate heat and power production, often in the range of 70–90 percent depending on demand patterns and technology.

CHP technologies include traditional steam-turbine or gas-turbine plants with heat recovery, biomass-fired CHP, waste-heat boilers, and micro-CHP units for buildings. Combined-cycle configurations, where a gas turbine drives a generator and exhaust heat is used to produce steam for a steam turbine, are common for large-scale CHP. Fuel choices range from natural gas and coal to biomass, waste fuels, and municipal waste.

In many regions, especially with extensive district heating networks, CHP is a central part of energy systems. It can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per unit of energy delivered, improve energy security, and support the integration of intermittent renewable energy by balancing heat and power demand.

Challenges include capital costs, the need for reliable heat demand to justify the investment, regulatory and tariff structures, and emissions controls. Successful CHP requires careful planning of plant location, heat distribution, and grid integration.