The 'power gap' only exists on paper

This article takes a look at the so-called 'power gap' that is being propagated by the electricity industry and certain politicians in Switzerland and how large scale combined heat and power (CHP) installations are being impeded by conventional power being offered at dumping prices. The author states that combined heat and power systems can, in spite of this, be profitable. The CHP concept has, according to the opinion of the Elektra Birseck Muenchenstein (EBM), a Swiss regional utility, been completely forgotten in Swiss carbon dioxide legislation. In particular, topics such as exemption from CO2 emission tax are looked at and the mothballing of certain gas-turbine based systems is discussed. Several cases are noted, however, that show that the operation of CHP units can still be profitable. In particular, buildings constructed to Swiss 'Minergie' low energy consumption standards can be interesting for CHP power generation, says the author.