Certification
New Regulations: Combined heat and power plants as a bridge to future energy supplies
Essen: Combined heat and power plants play an important role in securing energy supplies for the future. TÜV NORD recognises this. Although fossil fuels have to be used in the operation of these plants, climate-friendly combined heat and power technology also makes a contribution to environmental protection. In addition, since July of this year, such plants have to contribute to maintaining voltage levels in the power supply network. Combined heat and power plants currently feed considerably more kilowatt hours into the grid than, for example, photovoltaic installations.
According to a medium-term forecast by the Leipzig Institute for Energy regarding electricity generation from power plants using renewable sources, 26,113 GWh (Gigawatt hours) will be supplied to the grid this year by photovoltaic modules, whilst combined heat and power plants will provide 29,384 GWh in 2012 from utilisation of biomass alone.
“Because of new regulations, combined heat and power plants also have to fulfil requirements for connection to the power supply grid. This means that they are also making a contribution towards so-called smart grids, and therefore supporting the energy revolution”, explains Prof. Ulrich Adolph, responsible for the technology area at TÜV NORD CERT. “Combined heat and power plants are a bridge technology and will play an important role within our energy supply system for many years to come.”
The company COMUNA-metall from Enger in Westphalia is the first cogeneration plant manufacturer to have its complete product range assessed by TÜV NORD according to the new regulations. “The gas-operated combined heat and power units which are used, for example, in swimming pools, office buildings and residential homes and also in waste water clarification plants and industrial installations, are now in a position to contribute to the grid as small power generators”, says Prof. Adolph. This has now been officially confirmed by TÜV NORD.
About the TÜV NORD Group
With over 10,000 employees, TÜV NORD Group is one of the largest technical service providers, offering its advisory, service and inspection expertise in over 70 countries throughout the world. Areas of activity include Industry Services, Mobility, and Education and Training. TÜV NORD Group occupies a unique position in the sector based on its work in the fields of raw materials and aerospace. Guiding principle: "Making our world safer".
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