"We are convinced of the new technology’s potential," said Stefan Vogg, who is in charge of E.ON sales in Germany. "For several years, E.ON and leading manufacturers have engaged in a technology partnership to develop and test micro-CHP units for households. The high efficiency of this trend-setting technology can make a significant contribution to climate protection. We are therefore backing the introduction of these heating systems and providing financial support for their market launch," he added.
The gas-fired micro cogeneration systems produce both heat and electricity. Ideally, annual heat requirements are between 15,000 and 45,000 kWh. In some cases these heaters are no bigger than a washing machine and can be placed in any basement. The fuel used is natural gas or biomethane, which drives an engine that produces electricity via a generator. The waste heat is available for heating purposes.
Today the price of a micro-CHP unit, including installation, is between EUR18,000 and EUR25,000, which is still well above that of conventional gas-fired condensing boilers. Nonetheless, micro-CHP systems are economically attractive because they simultaneously produce electricity. Depending on the period of operation, over 50 percent of a home’s electricity needs can be met. Model calculations by manufacturers show that a four-person household using about 5,000 kWh of electricity per annum can save roughly EUR900 a year, depending on the operating time. The high efficiency makes an important contribution towards protecting the environment. In this performance class, carbon dioxide emissions of gas-fired micro-CHP units are about one third lower than those of conventional heating systems.
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Stuart