Combined Heat & Power (CHP)
Propane-powered CHP systems deliver high-efficiency, on-site electricity and thermal energy that reduce waste, lower emissions, strengthen energy resilience, and drive long-term cost savings for commercial and industrial facilities.
One System. Two Outputs. Greater Efficiency.
With on-site propane storage, CHP systems operate independently of the grid or alongside it. By generating electricity and capturing usable heat for space and water heating, they achieve significantly higher total efficiency than conventional power generation. Select configurations also offer black start capability, keeping facilities operational during outages or severe weather.
High Total System Efficiency
Generate electricity and capture usable heat from one fuel source, achieving up to 80% efficiency.
Low Total Energy Costs
Reduced reliance on the grid, lower demand charges, and improved long-term cost predictability.
Grid-Independent Energy
On-site fuel storage and black start capability enable grid-independent operation during outages.
Scalable Infrastructure
Wide range of system sizes with modular, redundant configurations — no major grid upgrades required.
High Total System Efficiency
Generate electricity and capture usable heat from one fuel source, achieving up to 80% efficiency.
Low Total Energy Costs
Reduced reliance on the grid, lower demand charges, and improved long-term cost predictability.
Grid-Independent Energy
On-site fuel storage and black start capability enable grid-independent operation during outages.
Scalable Infrastructure
Wide range of system sizes with modular, redundant configurations — no major grid upgrades required.
Turn Energy Challenges Into a Funded Opportunity
Through the Alternative Technology Demonstration & Research Program, qualifying businesses can earn compensation for incorporating propane-powered cooling, Combined Heat & Power (CHP), or solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) into their operations — while contributing valuable real-world performance data.
Is CHP Right for Your Facility?
Energy demand, thermal load, and resiliency requirements vary across facilities. Propane CHP systems can be configured as prime power, standby power, or as part of a hybrid microgrid strategy — depending on operational goals. Below are typical CHP configurations based on facility size and operational needs.
CHP System Applications by Scale
| APPLICATION SCALE | TYPICAL FACILITY TYPES | TYPICAL ELECTRICAL OUTPUT RANGE | THERMAL OUTPUT TYPE | OPERATING MODE | MODULARITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Commercial | Offices, retail, restaurants, clinics, municipal buildings | 5 kW – 150 kW | Domestic hot water, light space heating | Grid-parallel or standby support | Single-unit systems |
| Mid-Scale Commercial | Multifamily, hospitality, healthcare, senior living, campus-style buildings | 150 kW – 1 MW | Space heating, hot water, process heat | Grid-parallel, peak shaving, limited island mode | Multi-unit scalable systems |
| Large / Industrial | Manufacturing, food processing, district energy, large campuses, distribution centers | MW+ | Continuous process heat, district heating, steam | Prime power, microgrid integration, island mode capable | Fully modular, expandable arrays |
Typical Facility Types: Offices, retail, restaurants, clinics, municipal buildings
Typical Electrical Output Range: 5 kW – 150 kW
Thermal Output Type: Domestic hot water, light space heating
Operating Mode: Grid-parallel or standby support
Modularity: Single-unit systems
Typical Facility Types: Multifamily, hospitality, healthcare, senior living, campus-style buildings
Typical Electrical Output Range: 150 kW – 1 MW
Thermal Output Type: Space heating, hot water, process heat
Operating Mode: Grid-parallel, peak shaving, limited island mode
Modularity: Multi-unit scalable systems
Typical Facility Types: Manufacturing, food processing, district energy, large campuses, distribution centers
Typical Electrical Output Range: MW+
Thermal Output Type: Continuous process heat, district heating, steam
Operating Mode: Prime power, microgrid integration, island mode capable
Modularity: Fully modular, expandable arrays
Build Your CHP Energy Strategy
Every CHP project has unique electrical and thermal demands. Connect with a propane power generation expert to evaluate load requirements and determine how a propane CHP solution can deliver efficiency, resilience, and long-term cost control. We can also connect you with qualified manufacturers and implementation partners to support deployment.
Schedule a MeetingPropane Powers More Than CHPs
Propane supports a full range of power generation solutions, including prime and standby power, microgrids, combined heat and power (CHP), EV charging, and mobile power. Together, these applications help facilities plan for resilience, improve efficiency, and maintain control across changing energy demands.