Micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP)

Even if centralized power generation goes on being the most important pillar in our energy supply, it may be sensible to supplement it with other forms of electricity and heat production. Current forecasts suggest that distributed power generation will gain in importance in coming decades. Alongside other technologies, micro-CHP, too, could play a role here in future. Micro-CHP plants are small distributed power generators which also produce heat when in operation and can be used, e.g., to heat buildings and water. There are various technologies available for CHP systems, and they can be subdivided into engines, turbines and fuel cells.