CHP ‘vital’ to tackle industry emissions

Investment in combined heat and power will be "vital" to tackle rising emissions from UK industry, according to the CHP industry's trade association.


The Combined Heat and Power Association (CHPA) said a greater take-up of the technology would help to cut industry’s carbon footprint quickly and cost-effectively.

It is calling for Government to extend the Climate Change Levy exemption for good quality combined heat and power (GQCHOP) until at least 2037.

Ministers are also being urged to ensure that Enhanced Capital Allowances – which allow businesses to claim money back for capital expenditure on environmentally-friendly equipment – can be used for all CHP plants.

Graham Meeks, director of the CHPA, said: “Combined heat and power can tackle climate change at least cost to the UK economy.

“It is a proven technology that can cut industry’s carbon footprint more effectively than many other generation technologies.

“In difficult economic times, it must be a vital part of our efforts to cut rising industrial emissions and control costs.”

His comments came after Government figures revealed that industrial emissions are estimated to have risen by 9.5% in 2007 compared to 2006.

This is compared to just a 1% increase in transport emissions, and decreases in the level of emissions from homes, businesses and the energy supply industry.

The CHPA estimates that an industrial CHP plant could save about 9m tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

“However, before they can commit to invest funds, companies need certainty that Government will continue to provide support for CHP over the long term,” Mr Meeks added.

Kate Martin

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