What does cogeneration or combined heat and power (CHP) refer to?

Cogeneration, also known as combined heat and power (CHP), refers specifically to the process of capturing and utilizing the waste heat that is generated during electricity production. In traditional electricity generation, a significant amount of heat is lost as a byproduct, typically through cooling systems. Cogeneration systems are designed to harness this waste heat for other purposes, such as space heating, hot water supply, or even industrial processes.

By capturing waste heat and using it effectively, cogeneration systems achieve higher overall efficiencies—often exceeding 80%—compared to separate systems that generate electricity and heat independently. This integrated approach not only maximizes energy use but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs, making it a sustainable energy solution.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of cogeneration: using waste materials to generate heat does involve energy production, but it does not encompass the electricity generation and waste heat recovery aspects that define CHP. Generating renewable energy through solar power focuses specifically on solar technology and does not pertain to the dual production of heat and power found in cogeneration. Storing heat for future energy use may involve thermal storage systems, but it is not synonymous with cogeneration, which is about immediate utilization of recovered waste heat in conjunction with