Natural gas and RNG cogeneration

Cogeneration systems, or combined heat and power (CHP), help facilities with high energy demands lower their operating costs, improve efficiency and increase energy reliability.

A cogeneration plant simultaneously produces electricity and thermal energy from a single fuel source - natural gas or renewable natural gas (RNG) - within an integrated system. By capturing and reusing heat that would otherwise be wasted, CHP systems can achieve efficiencies of up to 85%, reducing CO₂ emissions compared to separate heat and power generation.

The result is continuous on-site energy production at lower cost and greater resilience.

A cogeneration plant uses a natural gas or RNG engine to generate low-voltage electricity, which is then transformed into medium-voltage electricity.

Heat is recovered from:

• the engine cooling system, using a plate-type heat exchanger that obtains high-temperature water;

• the exhaust gases, which, being close to 400°, can be used to produce hot water, superheated water, steam or diathermic oil through a boiler, or can be used pure in the process.

Energy produced

Electric power

to be used on-site (behind-the-meter) or exported to the grid

Thermal energy

for the production of:

• hot water

• superheated water

• steam

• diathermic oil

• cold water (CCHP)