Given the dire current market conditions for CHP in the liberalised European energy markets, the optimistic prognosis for micro CHP might come as something of a surprise. Even before the first true micro CHP systems have been commercially launched, the UK government has identified this technology as its most cost-effective carbon mitigation measure, and a key feature in its energy policy. It is anticipated that ultimately over 12 million systems will be installed in the UK and more than 50 million in the EU as a whole, representing a considerable business opportunity to manufacturers, installers and operators and a significant challenge to electricity distribution network operators. It has also been variously suggested that micro CHP will have a substantial impact on the gas distribution network, some commentators believing it will increase gas demand, whilst others believe exactly the opposite. Ultimately, it will depend very much on which "prime mover" technology is adopted, but for the next 10 years or so, there is likely to be little or no impact on the gas network.

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