Baxi say they are geared up to deliver up to 20,000 combined heat and power units a year from their Preston, Bamber Bridge, plant.
The government is issuing contracts worth billions of pounds for green energy but the great majority of the manufacturing work is expected to go overseas. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) isn’t regarded as a ‘green’ technology in government terms although it gives the capability to return power to the grid or for use in the building reducing dependence on the grid. It’s downside being that it is still using gas. So no government green manufacturing contracts are coming to Preston for this. They’re going to Germany and Denmark, perhaps China.
Micro-CHP sounds an interesting solution but I don’t know a lot about it. Is it more efficient to generate electricity in small generators, does that adequately offset the distribution costs and need to import? Baxi claim their domestic unit, the Ecogen, is 90% efficient compared to 35% efficiency for grid electricity.
Security of supply is a good point, as we did have an electricity black-out for one hour last month and for several hours 2 years ago, in the final stages of X-factor as well, but I don’t think I’d spend much to reduce the risk. You’d need a smart meter as well I’d think. At the end of the day I’d be looking at how much the boiler costs and how much my gas and electricity bill will change. That’s why green often doesn’t get bought, it’s not cost efficient and a government grant is needed.
Baxi also supply a Ground Sourced Heat Pump although it isn’t known where that is made, probably not Preston. I’ve read good things about these and might take a further look.
Perhaps we could take advantage of the governments £400 boiler scrappage scheme. Notice that B&Q are selling a boiler for £399 so do you get a pound back and find you’re own fitter. Surprising that I read that a new boiler typically costs about £2000 to install. The pipes are there and so is the gas, if that is the case it costs £1600 to remove and fit the boiler, then adjust a couple of feet of pipe. Should take under a day. Nice work if you can get it. Our house has warm air heating and the previous owner bought a new boiler that cost a lot more than £399.
Found this on the Baxi website. Quote:
What is mCHP?
Combined heat and power (CHP), or cogeneration, is the simultaneous production of useful heat and electricity from a single source. Large scale CHP, suitable for industrial and commercial applications, has been around for some time.
Micro or Mini-CHP (mCHP) refers to the small-scale production of heat and power for individual commercial buildings, apartments and individual homes. These units meet the demand for space heating and hot water whilst providing electricity to supplement or replace the grid supply.
Why mCHP?
mCHP is a true low (or zero) carbon alternative to a gas boiler.
Installation of mCHP appliances – in existing or new buildings – can be more cost-effective and less disruptive compared to other renewable and low carbon technologies, as installation and servicing relies largely on current skills required for heating installation.
What are the benefits of mCHP?
- Carbon emissions are reduced by generating electricity at the point of use – avoiding the system losses associated with central power production.
- Economic savings are generated for the user, by reducing imported electricity and by selling surplus electricity back to the grid.
- Security of supply is greatly enhanced by reducing reliance on centralised power production
End of quote from Baxi website.