asked the Minister for Energy if he has assessed the present potential of combined heat and power systems; and if he has proposals to develop this activity.
Written Answers. - Heat and Power Systems.
35.
An assessment of the potential of combined heat and power systems was published by the National Board for Science and Technology in 1983. The electricity potential was then estimated as 460 MWe and the heat as 1100 MWt. A subsequent survey carried out by the International Energy Agency indicated that the figure for electricity potential should be revised downwards to 100-150 MWe. The NBST have agreed with this revised estimate.
While I have no specific proposals at present to develop this activity, the factors having a bearing on CHP are being re-examined with a view to ensuring that there are no artificial barriers which prevent its economic application in appropriate circumstances.