How much can I save with a CHP cogenerator?

Savings are significant and in many cases the system generates a profit by exporting surplus electrical and thermal energy. The result depends on consumption, load profile, fuel cost and available incentives: the feasibility study calculates payback and annual return.

What permits are required to install a cogenerator?

The process is usually handled by specialist engineering firms. As a guideline you need: fire prevention approvals, SCIA, notification to the Italian Customs Agency, and permits for atmospheric emissions.

Should the cogenerator be sized to thermal or electrical demand?

There’s no single answer: you need to balance both. If the facility does not consume both thermal and electrical energy, any excess is exported to other users or to the grid.

Natural gas, biogas, vegetable oils: which fuel is most cost-effective?

The choice is driven by two factors: the incentives available for that specific fuel and the ease—and long-term stability—of its supply.

CHP cogeneration

CHP cogenerators for natural gas, biogas and vegetable oils

For years, cogeneration was a solution adopted only by large energy‑intensive companies. Today, with shifting energy costs, it’s competitive for SMEs and the private sector too: CHP systems from 50 kW to 4 MW, reliable and cost‑effective.

Request a feasibility study Speak with an engineer — +39 070 2298142

Cogeneration fuels: natural gas, biogas, vegetable oils and syngas

European deployment trends follow incentive schemes: fuel choice is therefore primarily an economic decision, also tied to local supply.

CHP cogenerators powered by Natural gas

The most widely used fuel: extensive pipeline network, competitive cost, and well-established incentives.

CHP cogenerators powered by Biogas

From anaerobic digestion of agricultural and livestock effluents and OFMSW (FORSU). Local, incentive-backed supply chain.

CHP cogenerators powered by Vegetable oils

Palm oil, rapeseed oil and other vegetable oils for dedicated internal combustion engines.

CHP cogenerators powered by Syngas

Synthesis gas from pyrolysis and gasification of woody biomass.

CHP cogenerators powered by Diesel

A less common option, used only in specific contexts for economic or logistical reasons.

Orefice cogenerators: purpose-built, not modified generator sets

We design and build cogenerators using the most advanced technology available. These aren’t generator sets adapted to recover heat: they are purpose-built designs, conceived from the outset for high-efficiency combined heat and power production.

A cogenerator is not just a genset plus a heat exchanger — that’s why every Orefice CHP system is engineered with architecture, materials and control logic specifically for continuous operation.

Operation and service for cogenerators: maximize annual availability

Many CHP manufacturers focus only on design and build — sometimes on installation and commissioning. At Orefice we bring over 75 years of experience in service for generator sets and cogenerators: we deeply understand the issues that emerge in real-world operation.

Every owner’s nightmare is prolonged downtime. A cogenerator must run as much as possible: entrusting operation to Orefice is the choice that maximizes runtime, efficiency and the financial return on your investment.

See our 24/7 operation and service contracts

Cogeneration in numbers

Electrical power: 50 kW–4 MW
Total efficiency: >90%
Fuels: Gas, biogas, oils
Availability: >95%

Cogeneration applications: industry, healthcare, agriculture, hospitality

Manufacturing and food processing
Greenhouses and horticulture
Hospitals, care homes and large healthcare facilities
Hotels, sports centres and swimming pools
District heating networks
Wastewater treatment (biogas from anaerobic digestion)

Generator set rental

Temporary solutions to support CHP during peaks or planned shutdowns.

Explore rental

Scheduled maintenance

Tailored contracts to keep your cogenerator at peak efficiency year‑round.

View plans

Frequently asked questions about cogeneration

Considering a cogeneration plant?

We help you assess whether CHP is truly cost-effective for your site: feasibility study, thermal/electrical sizing, payback calculation and 24/7 operation proposal.

Over 75 years of experience in power generation and cogeneration
Purpose-built projects: not adapted generator sets
24/7 service and operation contracts

Request a free site survey +39 070 2298142 or email info@oreficegenerators.com