By using combined heat and power plants, the energy content of the supplied fuel can be utilized much more efficiently than is possible when electricity and heat are generated separately. For this reason, they are also of particular importance in achieving climate protection targets. Existing national regulations (e.g. in the Green Electricity Act, where, however, proprietary industrial plants are excluded from subsidies) must be revised with a view to implementing the EU CHP Directive.
Long operating times: CHP plants at industrial sites have the following advantages, among others: long operating times of usually more than 8,000 operating hours per year, constant heat consumption, avoidance of transmission and substation losses, security of supply. Disadvantages include high investment costs and long payback periods, costly operation management, and fuel costs that are highly price-dependent.