ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Currently, power plants are responsible for two-thirds of the nation's annual sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, one-quarter of the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, one-third of the mercury (Hg) emissions, and one-third of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a leading greenhouse gas. These emissions contribute to serious environmental problems, including global climate change, acid rain, haze, acidification of waterways, and eutrophication of critical estuaries. These same emissions contribute to numerous health problems, such as chronic bronchitis and aggravation of asthma, particularly in children.

Emissions of carbon dioxide and air pollutants like nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and volatile organic particles can be substantially reduced with CHP.

• Energy production is a major source of pollution. In the same way that it saves fuel cost, CHP reduces pollution by using the fuel’s energy twice or three times, yielding half to a third of the emissions from separate applications.

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, CHP systems could reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25 million tons of carbon if the Agency's goal to double US installed capacity by 2010 were met.

• Regulatory barriers exist that do not recognize CHP's environmental benefits--visit USCHPA's Environmental Initiatives to learn what can be done.

• New power plants have major environmental impacts. CHP plants are small and usually sited unobtrusively inside existing buildings and plants, without offending neighbors.
  

CHP systems can be especially useful in areas of the country where development is constrained due to poor air quality problems. This is particularly significant in older, industrial cities like Chicago. In air emission zones in California, the Northeast, and Midwest, new development can create the need for emissions offsets. CHP systems can meet this requirement, especially when using output-based emission standards that capture these system's high fuel efficiencies.

CHP can also improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ). US buildings consume at least 30-50% more energy than necessary to provide adequate IEQ. However, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems often do not provide sufficient humidity control or meet a building's need for outside air. In combination with a desiccant dehumidifier, CHP systems can provide better humidity control than conventional systems, and reduce the potential for mould and bacteria growth. When combined with CHP systems, absorption chillers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

EPA recognizes the environmental benefits of CHP. The EPA CHP Partnership is developing a series of tools to assist facilities and regulators with environmental siting and permitting issues for CHP. These tools include:

• Emissions Calculator
• Output-Based Emissions Guidelines for State Air Regulators
• Permitting Guide
• Profiles of CHP Potential