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The relatively low penetration of CHP in district heat production in France should be seen in the context of the difficulties for independent producers of entering the national electricity market. The same policies that have created a high penetration of DH in Scandinavia have also created a very high share of combined production connected to the district heating systems. Other countries boast higher penetrations of CHP in heat generation in percent, but under more special circumstances, which may not be universally applicable. The lesson to be learnt in this context is that it is feasible for a comprehensive national policy to reach, as in Finland, an almost 80% share of DH produced in combined production. The Finnish example shows that this can be reached by a balanced fuel input, i.e. without depending on a single fuel type. DH and CHP certainly offer a vast potential for increased energy efficiency in the energy sector. |
The
growth in CHP capacity has been substantial as it appears on the
table. It has been strongest in the countries, which have also had
the strongest growth in district heating capacity. This suggests
that operators that construct new district heating schemes consider
application of CHP a rational and viable solution to enhance energy
production and reduce overall costs.