ENERGY
So much for the system itself, what benefits
can CHP bring a client?
“Apart from a net reduction in carbon
dioxide emissions e.g. a Cogenco 725kWe
unit gives an annual saving of 1,500 tonnes
of CO2 over conventional electricity
generated by a gas-fired boiler, the system
is 90% efficient with only 10% waste heat
whereas a good grid power station is only
40% efficient because of the waste heat it
generates,” explains Burchett. “Plus, the CHP
system is on the same site as the customer
so you don’t risk losing around 15% through
transmission losses.”
There are financial benefits too.
“You don’t pay the climate change levy,”
continues Burchett. “And you are eligible for
renewables obligation certificates (ROCs) and
enhanced capital allowances (ECAs). Nor
do most people know that they can also get
exemption from business rates.”
Is this a good time to be in the CHP sector?
The two directors can’t help but smile.
on Cogenco's production line.
“Conditions for CHP are probably the best
we’ve ever seen them,” admits Packer before
going on to say: “Thanks in part to drivers
such as companies now being obliged to
include display energy certificates (DECs) in
large buildings.”
Okay, so let’s say I’m a potential client and
I’m interested in getting myself a piece of the
low-carbon CHP action. What options do I have
in terms of financing such a system?
“You can get your capital investment costs
back in as little as two years,” explains Packer.
“Or you can go for a leasing option where it
is possible to pay for the power used without
making any capital investment. With the cost
agreed in advance, we can guarantee our
customers that they will save money.”
What happens if I want to relocate my
business?
“The unit follows you around as it is easily
transferable,” says Packer.
Ah, the beauty of a small modular system.
If my company goes bust, who owns the
CHP system?
“If it’s on a leasing contract, it belongs
to Cogenco and we simply collect it and can
re-install it elsewhere,” points out the company
director.
How long can these machines run for?
Packer explains how when maintained
properly the units will run for well in excess
of 100,000 hours before he is drawn back
irresistibly into the world of Only Fools and
Horses.
“It’s a bit like Trigger’s brush, we can change
the brush and the handle many times but it’s
How the CHP process works.
always Trigger’s brush and it’s like new.”
SuStainable SolutionS December/January 2009 27
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60