U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Program

Distributed Energy Resources and Combined Heat and Power Resources

The following publications and Web sites provide more information on distributed energy resources (DER) and combined heat and power (CHP). The resources below are organized by:

• Distributed Energy Resources
• Combined Heat and Power
• Case Studies
• Related Links

Distributed Energy Resources

The following DER resources are available:

• FEMP DER Program Overview: Fact sheet detailing the benefits and nuances of distributed energy resources, as well as available FEMP assistance and contacts.

• Distributed Energy Resources at Federal Facilities: Overview of how DER can help meet increased demand and improve the reliability of the power generation system.

• Definitions Applicable to Distributed Generation: Department of Energy (DOE) provided definitions applicable to distributed generation.

• Environmental Siting of Distributed Energy Resources: Fact sheet providing guidance to Federal facility managers on the process of environmental siting and approval requirements for distributed energy resources.

• Using Distributed Energy Resources: How-to guide for Federal energy managers on the implementation of distributed energy resources.

Back to top

Combined Heat and Power

The following CHP resources are available:

• FEMP CHP Program Overview: Fact sheet detailing how replacing central-station power generation with CHP reduces carbon emissions and can be about twice as efficient as central-station power plants and on-site boilers.

• CHP Potential at Federal Sites: Market assessment of the potential for CHP applications at Federal facilities and the associated costs and benefits including energy and emission savings.

• Energy Efficiency Improvements through the use of Combined Heat and Power in Buildings: Resource describing how combined technology helps Federal energy managers meet mission critical energy needs.

• National CHP Roadmap: Overall plan to double the combined heat and power capacity in the U.S. by 2010.

• Advanced Manufacturing Office CHP Information Resources: AMO education and outreach materials and tools to improve national and international understanding of combined heat and power technologies, markets, and policies across the globe.

Back to top

Case Studies

The following case studies outline DER and CHP applications at Federal facilities:

• Dual-Fuel Combustion Turbine Provides Reliable Power to U.S. Navy Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut: Case study covering how combined heat and power project provides reliable power at reduced cost.

• Photovoltaic DER System Could Save USPS $25,000 per Year in Marina del Rey, California: Demonstration by the U.S. Postal Service on how to save energy, money, and the environment by adding a solar electric system as a distributed energy resource to reduce peak demand.

• Summary of Results from Testing a 30-kW-Microturbine and CHP System: Federal Technology Alert summary of results from a series of CHP system tests performed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory CHP Integration Test Facility.

• Wireless Temperature Sensors for Improved HVAC Control: Description of the installation of a wireless temperature sensor network at the Environmental Protection Agency's National health and Environmental Effects Research laboratory in Duluth, Minnesota.

Back to top

Related Links

The Department of Energy's Industrial Distributed Energy Program Web site contains a wealth of information, including an overview of distributed energy technologies and applications. Case studies of successful projects are also available.

For more information on fuel cell technology and the hydrogen economy, see the DOE Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Infrastructure Technologies Program Web site.

The following links provide additional information on combined heat and power systems:

• DOE Industrial Technologies Program
• U.S. Clean Heat and Power Association
• International District Energy Association
• Northeast Midwest Institute

The following links provide additional information on energy incentive and rebate programs:

• Environmental Protection Agency CHP Partnership: Provides regularly updated lists of Federal and state incentives applicable to CHP and biomass/biogas projects, including financial incentives and favorable regulatory treatment.

• Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE): Information about renewable energy tax incentives, grants, loans, rebates, and industrial recruitment information on a state-by-state basis.

• FEMP Energy Incentive Program Listing: Outlines energy incentive programs and demand response programs, updated annually, tailored for Federal agencies on a state-by-state basis.

The Advanced Manufacturing Office offers an Energy Resource Center with tools, trainings, and other resources to reduce energy costs and chart a path to continuous improvement in energy efficiency and performance.

Back to top