FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 11, 2014) – The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC), in partnership with the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center (KPPC) at the University of Louisville and the Kentucky Association of Manufactures (KAM), today announced the launch of a statewide program to promote high-efficiency, combined heat and power (CHP) technologies as resources to reduce energy costs, carbon emissions and spur new economic growth in Kentucky’s industrial and manufacturing sectors. Throughout the next several years, CHP program partnerships will organize education and outreach opportunities throughout the Commonwealth to promote the environmental and economic benefits to CHP. Additional resources will also be provided by the Combined Heat and Power Technology Assistance Partnership (CHPTAP), a voluntary program established by the U.S. Department of Energy, to facilitate and promote CHP technology to reduce the environmental impact of power generation. Kentucky’s CHP program is funded by U.S. Department of Energy grants totaling $195,000. CHP is the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from a single fuel source, such as biomass or natural gas, and is used to replace or supplement conventional separate heat and power. Using a collaborative approach, the Department for Energy Development and Independence (DEDI) and its public/private partners will assemble stakeholders to identify policies and strategies to maximize benefits for Kentucky’s manufacturers. The first phase focuses on education and outreach presented through a series of work group meetings and the development of a policy and implementation plan. Industry leaders will have an opportunity to assess the application of CHP technology in their facilities through the use of a series of screening tools and on-site assessments. The final phase includes a feasibility study and strategies to increase the capacity of CHP in Kentucky. “Kentucky’s manufacturing sector is an important economic driver, employing more than 220,000 citizens,” said EEC Secretary Len Peters. “In the wake of rising energy prices and pending regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, CHP technology is a viable option for Kentucky’s industries to reduce emissions associated with energy consumption, freeing up resources to reinvest in manufacturing jobs and remain competitive in the workplace.” Every CHP application involves the recovery of wasted thermal energy reusing that heat for other productive purposes. Heat energy from CHP is used in many ways, such as steam for manufacturing processes, hot water, or as climate control for buildings. According the EPA, CHP systems achieve fuel use efficiencies up to 80 percent, compared to average fossil-fueled power plant efficiencies of 33 percent. CHP is used to replace or supplement conventional separate heat and power, such as central station electricity via the grid or on-site boilers or heaters. More information is available from the U.S. Department of Energy, Southeast Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP). http://www.southeastchptap.org For a complete listing of workshops or for more information, contact Bill Lunsford, [email protected] or www.energy.ky.gov.
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