ACEEE | American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Sep 28, 2011
Challenges Facing Combined Heat and Power Today: A State-by-State Assessment
Combined heat and power (CHP) describes a suite of technologies that use energy more efficiently. CHP systems typically produce useful thermal energy concurrently with electricity, using an input f…
Challenges Facing Combined Heat and Power Today: A State-by-State Assessment
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Combined heat and power (CHP) describes a suite of technologies that use energy more efficiently. CHP systems typically produce useful thermal energy concurrently with electricity, using an input fuel more efficiently than traditional thermal energy or electricity generation. CHP systems can power buildings and operations across all sectors of the economy, and can help contribute to overall energy savings and emission reductions. Despite these benefits, CHP developers and supporters face a number of challenges implementing CHP projects today. This report aggregates numerous first-person interviews with today’s CHP developers and supporters to paint a picture of the CHP marketplace, both nationwide and in specific states.
This report finds that the biggest current barriers to greater CHP deployment are mostly economic and financial in nature, but that specific political and regulatory barriers make some states much more or less inviting to new CHP projects than others. Though substantial progress has been made toward removing some of the discussed regulatory barriers, the attitude of some CHP developers towards certain states indicates that much more can be done. This report juxtaposes the discussions of CHP market opportunities and challenges with data reflecting the size and number of new CHP projects developed in each state between 2005 and 2010.
The report concludes with recommendations for improving the CHP market directed at the various types of CHP market stakeholders.
Toward Best Practices for Industrial Innovation: Lessons from the Department of Energy’s Industrial Demonstrations Program
This paper highlights a central lesson for policymakers: Industrial innovation requires alignment across government programs (grants, procurement), financing mechanisms (tax credits, loans), and institutional capacity. When these three are backed by sustained commitment from the public sector, private industry, and external stakeholders, the transition from demonstration to deployment becomes viable.
Bridging the Equity Gap for Utility Energy Efficiency Programs
Utility energy efficiency programs have increased investment in low-income households, but significant gaps remain. This report examines spending and savings trends across 48 major U.S. utilities, identifies barriers to expanding low-income programs and highlights policies and program strategies that can improve energy affordability and equitable access to efficiency upgrades.
This report identifies pathways for India’s cement industry to decarbonise at a pace compatible with the national climate goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.
Home Energy Reports and Beyond: Meeting the Moment with Behavior-Based Energy Efficiency
Home energy report programs, in which utilities provide households with personalized insights into their energy use and tips to lower their bills, are a…
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