Timms opens dCHP technology centre

Stephen Timms today opened Microgen's Technology Centre in Peterborough. The centre develops and tests Microgen's micro combined heat and power units, AKA microCHP or domesticCHP. It is hoped that dCHP will revolutionise the home energy market by enabling customers to produce part of their own electricity while heating their homes – thus cutting fuel bills.

DCHP also helps meet the government's energy objectives.

Timms said the government's ambitious agenda for sustainable energy was a considerable challenge in which technology such as Microgen's could play an important role.

In addition, he underlined the benefits both for householders in terms of reduced bills and for the National Grid, upon which demand could be reduced at peak times.

It is thought a dCHP unit could save a typical UK household around £150 on annual energy bills and cut CO2 emissions by 1.5 tonnes per annum.

However, developers have called for a financial kick-start through an enhanced Energy Efficiency Commitment and for social housing providers to be allowed to write-down purchase costs against tax when leasing environmental technologies like dCHP.

The emerging technology has massive potential. Interested parties may wish to attend EPN’s 2nd dCHP conference in London on 8 June.

Until 26 March, delegates can book at the "early bird" discount price of £325. After that, the price is £375 including full documentation, lunch and refreshments. Please contact s.linnell@highburybiz.com.