Combined Heat & Power (CHP)
Generate electricity and heat simultaneously from a single fuel source — achieving up to 90% overall efficiency. Helios delivers turnkey CHP systems for Alberta commercial, institutional, and multi-family properties.
What is Combined Heat & Power?
Combined Heat and Power (CHP), also called cogeneration, is an energy-efficient technology that generates electricity and captures the heat that would otherwise be wasted — using both on-site from a single natural gas fuel source.
In a conventional setup, electricity comes from the grid (generated at roughly 35–40% efficiency) and heat comes from a separate boiler. The two systems operate independently, and a large portion of the energy in the fuel is lost as waste heat.
A CHP system eliminates that waste. The engine generates electricity while the exhaust heat and jacket cooling heat are recovered and used directly for space heating, domestic hot water, process heat, or absorption cooling. Overall system efficiency reaches 80–90%.
The result is dramatically lower utility costs, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and on-site power generation that improves resilience and reduces dependence on the grid.
CHP vs. Conventional Separate Heat & Power
The efficiency gap between CHP and conventional systems is significant — and that gap translates directly into operating cost savings.
Electricity from the grid is generated at ~35–40% efficiency. A separate boiler adds heat at ~85% efficiency. Combined, roughly half the fuel energy is wasted.
A single natural gas engine generates electricity and recovers waste heat simultaneously. Up to 90% of the fuel's energy is converted into useful electricity and heat.
For a typical 500 kW CHP installation, the efficiency improvement translates to annual utility savings of $300,000–$600,000 depending on local energy rates and heat demand.
Lease-to-Own Program
Net-positive cash flow from day one — no large capital outlay required.
Helios offers a lease-to-own program that makes CHP accessible without a major upfront capital investment. Monthly lease payments are structured to be lower than your projected utility savings, so the system pays for itself from the moment it's commissioned.
At the end of the lease term, ownership transfers to you — and you continue to benefit from the full energy savings with no ongoing payments.
Our team handles the full project: engineering, equipment supply, installation, commissioning, and ongoing service. You get a turnkey solution with predictable costs and measurable returns.
Net-Positive from Day One
Monthly savings exceed lease payments — positive cash flow begins immediately.
No Large Capital Required
Preserve capital for your core business. Helios finances the system.
Full Ownership at Term End
At lease completion, the system is yours — with no further payments.
Turnkey Delivery
Engineering, supply, installation, commissioning, and service — all included.
Ideal Applications
CHP delivers the greatest value where there is a consistent, year-round demand for both electricity and heat. The following building types are ideal candidates.
Multi-Family Residential
Apartment and condo buildings with central heating and domestic hot water systems are among the best CHP candidates — high heat demand, consistent load, and significant utility bills.
Hotels & Hospitality
Hotels have 24/7 electricity demand and large domestic hot water loads for guest rooms, laundry, and pools — a near-perfect match for CHP.
Long-Term Care & Healthcare
Hospitals, care homes, and medical facilities require reliable power and large heating loads year-round, making CHP both financially and operationally attractive.
Commercial & Office Buildings
Large commercial buildings with central HVAC and consistent occupancy benefit from reduced electricity and heating costs across the full operating year.
Industrial & Manufacturing
Facilities with process heat requirements — food processing, manufacturing, greenhouses — can use CHP heat directly in production, maximizing efficiency.
Recreational Facilities
Arenas, aquatic centres, and recreation complexes have large heating and electricity loads that align well with CHP system output profiles.
Yanmar & TEDOM Product Lineup
Helios is an authorized dealer for Yanmar and TEDOM — two of the world's leading CHP manufacturers. Together they cover a wide range of output sizes suited to virtually any commercial or industrial application.
Yanmar
Yanmar is a global leader in compact, high-efficiency CHP systems. Their natural gas engine-generators are known for reliability, quiet operation, and low maintenance requirements — ideal for buildings where space and noise are a concern.
| Model | Electrical | Thermal |
|---|---|---|
| CP35D2 | 35 kW | 65 kW |
TEDOM
TEDOM manufactures high-output CHP systems from 100 kW to over 2 MW, engineered for demanding commercial and industrial applications. Their containerized units are particularly well-suited to Alberta's climate and remote site requirements. Additional sizes available.
| Model | Electrical | Thermal |
|---|---|---|
| TEDOM T100 | 100 kW | 160 kW |
| TEDOM T200 | 200 kW | 310 kW |
| TEDOM T375 | 375 kW | 600 kW |
| TEDOM T800 | 800 kW | 1,100 kW |
Alberta-Specific Considerations
Installing a CHP system in Alberta involves several regulatory and utility requirements. Helios has direct experience navigating all of them.
FortisAlberta Interconnection
Any grid-connected generation in FortisAlberta territory requires an interconnection agreement and technical review. Helios manages the full application process, including protection relay settings, metering, and utility coordination — ensuring a smooth, compliant connection.
ABSA Pressure Equipment Compliance
The Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) regulates pressure equipment in Alberta, including CHP systems with heat recovery components. Helios ensures all installations meet ABSA requirements and are registered and inspected appropriately.
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)
Larger CHP installations may require AUC approval as a generating unit. Helios advises on AUC thresholds and handles any required filings as part of the project scope.
Emissions & Carbon Pricing
CHP systems reduce overall fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to separate heat and power. Under Alberta's Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) regulation, facilities may be eligible for carbon credit benefits from improved efficiency.
Natural Gas Supply & Rates
Alberta's deregulated natural gas market allows facilities to shop for competitive gas rates. Helios can advise on gas supply options and rate structures that optimize the financial performance of your CHP system.
Electrical Interconnection & Net Metering
Depending on system size and utility territory, excess electricity generation may be eligible for net metering or micro-generation credits. Helios evaluates these opportunities as part of every project assessment.
CHP Installations
Ready to Explore CHP for Your Facility?
Helios provides free site assessments to determine whether CHP is a fit for your building — and what the financial case looks like. Contact us to get started.
Or send us a message and we'll get back to you within one business day.