Recent technology advances have resulted in the development of a range of efficient and versatile systems for industrial and other applications. This sector represents the largest share of the current installed CHP capacity in the U.S., and is the segment with the greatest potential for near-term growth. Some facilities of this type are merchant power plants using combined cycle configurations. They are owned by an independent power producer that seeks an industrial customer for their waste stream and sells excess electricity on the wholesale market. Small Industrial Systems - Thousands of boilers provide process steam to a broad range of U.S. manufacturing plants.
Small manufacturers represent an important growth segment over the coming decade.
With the arrival of reliable reciprocating engines and smaller combustion turbines, CHP is becoming feasible for small commercial buildings. Packaged systems with capacities starting at around 25 kW could be installed at fast food restaurants as well as in larger commercial buildings. Though an important long-term market, this segment's total capacity is expected to be modest for the next few years as the market infrastructure for distribution and installation develops.