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20/04/2004
NIE power energy revolution
Households in Northern Ireland could soon be part of an energy revolution through the development of Micro Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology.
Northern Ireland Electricity, in partnership with Phoenix Natural Gas, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Energy Saving Trust, recently installed two micro CHP units in homes as part of a trial study.
The units have been supplied by Whisper Tech, a New Zealand based company which is leading that way in the development of this cutting edge technology.
These small CHP units are similar to a conventional heating boiler but as well as providing heating and hot water, they also produce up to 1 KW of electricity, about half the power needed in a typical home. They are quiet and very efficient, using more than 90% of the energy of the fuel consumed, and have the potential to reduce a typical home’s energy costs by up to 40%.
Jenny Boyd, NIE Energy Services Manager welcomed the pilot project, she said: “The idea of having a ‘boiler’ which also generates electricity will be appealing to many homes. In addition to the cost efficiency benefits for householders, the micro CHP unit emits 20% less carbon dioxide per household into the atmosphere than standard power generation and heat supply. The installation of the two units will allow us to monitor cost efficiencies and environmental impact, and also to stimulate the growth of CHP technology in Northern Ireland.”
Electricity Regulator, Douglas McIldoon said the development of emerging technologies is crucial for the long-term future of the energy industry in Northern Ireland.
“This type of CHP technology offers homes a highly efficient energy solution that delivers substantial reductions in greenhouse gases and other pollutants," Mr McIldoon said. "Ofreg welcome NIE’s proactive development and hopes these units will be commercially available to Northern Ireland homes in the near future.”
While Micro CHP is not currently commercially available in Northern Ireland, NIE said it hopes to develop this pilot programme in the future and will continue to investigate alternatives to conventional energy use through the development of renewable energy technologies.
(MB)
Northern Ireland Electricity, in partnership with Phoenix Natural Gas, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Energy Saving Trust, recently installed two micro CHP units in homes as part of a trial study.
The units have been supplied by Whisper Tech, a New Zealand based company which is leading that way in the development of this cutting edge technology.
These small CHP units are similar to a conventional heating boiler but as well as providing heating and hot water, they also produce up to 1 KW of electricity, about half the power needed in a typical home. They are quiet and very efficient, using more than 90% of the energy of the fuel consumed, and have the potential to reduce a typical home’s energy costs by up to 40%.
Jenny Boyd, NIE Energy Services Manager welcomed the pilot project, she said: “The idea of having a ‘boiler’ which also generates electricity will be appealing to many homes. In addition to the cost efficiency benefits for householders, the micro CHP unit emits 20% less carbon dioxide per household into the atmosphere than standard power generation and heat supply. The installation of the two units will allow us to monitor cost efficiencies and environmental impact, and also to stimulate the growth of CHP technology in Northern Ireland.”
Electricity Regulator, Douglas McIldoon said the development of emerging technologies is crucial for the long-term future of the energy industry in Northern Ireland.
“This type of CHP technology offers homes a highly efficient energy solution that delivers substantial reductions in greenhouse gases and other pollutants," Mr McIldoon said. "Ofreg welcome NIE’s proactive development and hopes these units will be commercially available to Northern Ireland homes in the near future.”
While Micro CHP is not currently commercially available in Northern Ireland, NIE said it hopes to develop this pilot programme in the future and will continue to investigate alternatives to conventional energy use through the development of renewable energy technologies.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
