In April 2001, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), established the first pilot CHP Regional Application Center in the Midwest. This pilot RAC developed and proved the RAC concept. Based on this success, DOE has established seven additional RACs. The purpose of the RACs is to facilitate deployment of CHP technologies by working regionally to educate market players on the benefits of CHP technologies while reducing perceived risks, and identifying and providing specialized support to facilitate the development and execution of key projects. In addition, the RACs provide a valuable feedback loop to DOE and industry regarding future R&D program needs.
Gulf Coast CHP States
In this section you will find information pertaining to CHP activities in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Please click on the state you are interested in to learn more.
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas
Other States
CHP Potential in the Gulf Coast Region
The Gulf Coast states have a long and successful history of CHP implementation. In fact, about 30% of the nation's CHP capacity, some 23 GW of electrical generating capacity, is found in Louisiana and Texas alone. About 98% of this capacity is installed at industrial sites.
The table below summarizes the findings of an analysis conducted by Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc (EEA Inc) concerning the potential for additional CHP in our region. EEA Inc estimates that about 70% of the potential for new CHP in the industrial sector is at chemical plants, oil refineries and food processors sites. Over half of the potential for new CHP in the commercial and institutional buildings sectors exists at hotels, hospitals, colleges and schools.
| Louisiana |
1,616 |
2,639 |
4,255 |
| Oklahoma |
886 |
1,021 |
1,907 |
| Texas |
6,229 |
7,411 |
13,640 |
Please see the Gulf Coast Region Roadmap Workshop to read more about these findings.