Conventional Electrical Power as we know it as supplied by the Electricity generating bodies comes from a power station, where boilers , turbines and auxiliary units prevail.

A boiler operating on fossil fuel (coal, gas,oil) produces steam at high temperature and pressure. The steam being carried forward by pipeline to a multicylinder ( high, medium and low pressure) steam turbine, resulting in a rotary motion of a shaft. Attached to this same shaft is the rotor unit of the electrical generator. The rotor revolves inside a permanent stator, producing electricity.

The power produced at this initial output being in the order of 11KV. from where it is transmitted to a series of transformers and changed to a higher voltage 230KV. for conveyance across the country to locations where power is required. The voltage is then reduced at electricity transforming stations, with subsequent conversion to an acceptable voltage for the local requirement of industrial, commercial and residential consumers.

Over the last forty plus years it has been standard practice to establish a large power producing station away from major cities and towns, on the premise of environmental considerations and accessibility to and from this large industrial site. With this construction and generated electrical power distribution, losses are incurred due to the transformation of the electrical power. Additionally there are transmission losses on the overhead lines. The size of generator has increased over the years from 60 Megawatt to 500 Megawatt output.

Of recent years the gas turbine has gained prominence due to their quick construction, small footprint, reduced cost of installation, quick start up for electrical generation, plus increase in demand may be more readily catered for by additional generator units. Functioning with a gas turbine and utilizing the outflow of hot gasses to heat the water this combined heat and power (CHP) has become more readily acceptable due to its greater efficiency.

Public and Private Sector organizations are starting to take note of community heating. The UK now recognizes the true potential of community heating by the use of CHP. The turbine can be operated by biogas or natural gas. The gas turbine will provide for local demand and any excess may be exported via the grid network for national use. The heated water produced by the outflow gasses can be directed to the point of need through insulated pipework. Utilizing CHP results in lower CO2 emission, reduced cost of production and greater overall efficiency compared to traditional practices.