Cli-Mit CHP Analyzer

Combined heat and power (CHP) projects are perceived to have environmental advantages, but it is not always easy to quantify those apparent benefits. When NW Natural and the Bonneville Power Administration wanted to encourage the Energy Trust of Oregon to fund CHP projects, and looked to the Climate Trust to purchase CO₂ reductions from the projects, they couldn't find an easy way of making the quantitative case. They asked TC+ES to develop an easy-to-use tool that could assess the role financial incentives could play in encouraging CHP projects and which could evaluate their CO₂ footprint.

The Cli-Mit CHP Analyzer© calculates the environmental footprint and economic challenges facing selected CHP technologies up to 1 MW in size, based on a wide variety of user-changeable inputs.

The Cli-Mit CHP Analyzer© answers questions such as:

What are the CO₂ reductions from a CHP project, based on specific technology characteristics, project configurations, and characteristics of the local power grid?

What other environmental footprint changes result from installing a CHP project, including SOx, NOx, and particulates?

What is the "private sector" net present value (NPV) of CHP projects based on technology, electricity, and gas prices in the region, as well as the potential value of increased power supply reliability?

What is the "social cost" NPV of a CHP project based on internalization of air emissions externalities and accounting for variables such as reduced grid congestion?

The Cli-Mit CHP Analyzer© is easy to use and can be adapted to users' specific needs. The Tool is available for license or consulting support from TC+ES.