Carbon Payback & Lifecycle

CHP has historically been promoted as a low-carbon technology, but whether it actually cuts emissions today depends entirely on what it displaces, and as the grid has decarbonised, the carbon case has shifted dramatically. A scheme that clearly saved carbon in 2012 may increase it in 2026. This closing lesson works through the carbon arithmetic honestly, explains why grid decarbonisation changed everything, and shows where gas CHP still helps and where the renewable-fuel route leads.