The report, commissioned by Greenpeace, was carried out by consultancy firm Pöyry into the potential use of CHP systems in the UK.  It recognises that although heat accounts for 49% of energy usage in the UK, little effort has been made to produce this sustainably.  The primary focus of UK energy policy has been in electricity generation, which in facts only contributes 17% of energy consumption. 

On average, power stations in the UK waste two thirds of the energy they produce as a result of unused thermal energy.  CHP systems harness this wasted energy and hence can contribute significantly to heating needs, which other wise would have to be fuelled from a separate source.  This results in CHP stations being able to achieve over 90% efficiency, compared with the average 38% efficiency of most UK power stations.  CHP plants are already used widely in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, with the impact of reduced fuel use, less CO2 emissions and protection against fuel price rises.

In the report Pöyry notes that the most effective use of CHP systems is on a large scale, near to heavily industrial areas.  In the 9 locations suggested in the report there is an extremely dense, high demand for heat meaning CHP is the most practical and economic solution.  By employing CHP on these large scales, the relevant skills and knowledge will be improved. This will lead onto possible application within small communities and hence encourage the decentralisation of energy generation. 

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