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High Efficiency Combined Heat and Power (HECHP)

Helping Ireland meet its energy efficiency and decarbonisation goals.

What is HE CHP Certification

High Efficiency Combined Heat and Power (HE CHP) systems simultaneously generate electricity and useful heat, a process known as cogeneration. This approach significantly improves fuel efficiency, reducing costs for those operating the plant and the facilities that use its heat and power, while also cutting emissions compared to producing heat and power separately.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is Ireland’s designated authority for certifying HE CHP systems in line with the criteria set out in legislation. The CRU has a standard and long-established process for certifying CHP generators which meet high efficiency criteria. Since 2012, the CRU has consistently certified plants that comply with these prescribed criteria, supporting energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

HE CHP is classified as high efficiency based on its Primary Energy Savings (PES), which measure the percentage of fuel saved compared to producing heat and electricity separately. For detailed eligibility requirements, please refer to the ‘Certification Criteria’ section below. Certification is based on operational data collected over a twelve-month period to verify these savings.

Further information

Why get certified

The HE CHP Certification offers certain benefits to operators, such as carbon tax relief from Revenue. The relief for HE CHP is intended to take account of the higher energy efficiency and environmentally friendly aspects of these plants.  Please see High Efficiency Combined Heat and Power cogeneration (HE CHP) for more information.

2025 Updates

On 21 November 2025, following public consultation, the CRU published a Decision Paper updating the HE CHP certification scheme and streamlining the application process.

The core principles of the 2012 policy remain in place, but the 2025 update introduces a modernised digital application process and provides further clarity on some items.

Key improvements include:

  • Streamlined digital application process
  • Clarified efficiency criteria
  • Removal of planned plant certification
  • Introduction of a leniency period for operators facing temporary market challenges.

A Consolidated HE CHP Policy Document was also published, which integrates:

This document serves as the definitive reference for all HE CHP certification requirements and integrates all guidance in a single, streamlined document.

Who Can Apply?

Any CHP plant in Ireland that meets the required efficiency and heat-use criteria is eligible to apply for HE CHP certification.

For a quick overview of the certification process and benefits, download our HE CHP one-pager here.

Important Dates

Starting January 2026, all HE CHP applications must be submitted using the new digital application forms available on the CRU website. Previous submission method will no longer be accepted after this date.

How Long Will It Take to Process My Application?

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within one working day. The review and certification decision typically takes three to six months after acknowledgement. Timelines are indicative and may vary depending on application complexity. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Overall Process Timeline

The full process for obtaining a HE CHP Certificate typically spans approximately 21 months, broken down as follows:

  1. CHP Plant Operating Year Begins + Data Collection (12 months)
  • The plant typically completes 12 months of operation before submitting data, although shorter periods may be accepted.
  • Performance data is collected during this period for certification.
  1. Operator Submission (within 3 months)
  • The operator submits the application and supporting data to the CRU within 3 months after data collection, please see ‘When Should I Apply?’ below.
  1. CRU Assessment and Decision (3–6 months)
  • The CRU reviews the application and makes a decision within 3–6 months.
  • A certificate is issued only if the application meets HE CHP criteria.

Certification Criteria

To qualify for HE CHP certification, a plant must:

  • Deliver useful heat (economically justifiable demand)
  • Achieve Primary Energy Savings (PES):
  • ≥0% for small/micro-CHP (<1 MWe)
  • ≥10% for large-scale CHP (≥1 MWe)
  • Meet overall efficiency thresholds:
  • ≥75% for most CHP types
  • ≥80% for combined cycle gas turbines and steam condensing extraction turbines

All calculations must follow EU reference values and use net calorific values (NCV).

Certification is based on operational data collected over a 12-month assessment period.

Determine Your Site Category

Your site category determines the application form, level of detail, and eligibility for simplified certification:

Category A
Sites meeting any one of the following criteria:

  • Large-scale plants (≥1 MWe)
  • Small-scale sites (<1 MWe) that are eligible for renewable energy supports (e.g., REFIT)
  • Small and micro-scale sites (<1 MWe) using technologies other than internal combustion engines
  • Sites that need a techno-economic assessment for economic justification
  • Sites that use non-conventional* fuels

Category B
Sites meeting all of the following criteria:

  • Small and micro-scale CHP
  • Internal combustion engine technology
  • Conventionally fuelled*
  • Not eligible for renewable supports (e.g., not REFIT)
  • Does not require a techno-economic assessment for economic justification

Note:
The majority of HE CHP sites in Ireland are small-scale, conventionally fuelled internal combustion engines with less than 500 kW electrical output. These typically serve hotels, leisure centres, and healthcare facilities where all power is used on-site.

*For the purpose of HE CHP site categories, conventional fuels are those from fuel categories G10 and L7 in Annex I of COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2023/2104. This does not exclude fuels of renewable origin (e.g. biomethane) as long as they have identical chemical characteristics to the fossil fuels, for reasons related to performance.

How to Apply

The CRU uses a digital application process for new applicants and annual recertification.

Steps to Apply:

  • Determine site category (A or B)
  • Complete the appropriate Excel application form
  • Prepare supporting documentation (schematics, calibration schedules, etc.)
  • Upload all materials via the CRU Consultation Platform

Category B sites benefit from a simplified form and reduced documentation requirements.

When Should I Apply?

Applications must be submitted during the designated submission window for your selected assessment period.

For those availing of Government Renewable Support Schemes (PSO payments) Choose Option 1 or Option 2 and maintain a consistent assessment period across years:

Option 1:

  • Assessment Period: 01 Jan – 31 Dec
  • Submission Window: 01 Jan – 31 Mar (following year)

Option 2:

  • Assessment Period: 01 Oct – 30 Sept
  • Submission Window: 01 Oct – 31 Dec

For those not availing of a PSO payment

  • Assessment Period: 01 Jan – 31 Dec
  • Submission Window: 01 Jan – 31 Mar (following year)
  • Note: Fixed annual assessment period applies

New Entrants

  • Select one of the above schemes and corresponding assessment period.
  • Submission window is flexible in the first year only.

Fees

There is no application fee for HE CHP certification.

Compliance Assurance

The CRU conducts audits to ensure the integrity of the certification process.

The selection procedure for the audit programme considers several factors including:

  • Random audits of large-scale certified HE CHP sites.
  • Anomalies in submitted performance data or other concerns brought to CRU’s attention.
  • Targeted audits of newly commissioned HE CHP sites.
  • How closely a site meets or fails HE CHP threshold criteria (current or past assessments).
  • Sites with the most to gain from renewable support mechanisms.

Audits verify metering, calibration, operational data, and economic justification. Non-compliance may result in certificate amendment or revocation.

Stay Updated

Application forms will be reviewed annually and updated if required. Updates will be published on this webpage. Stakeholder feedback on the application forms is welcomed and can be submitted via email to hechp@cru.ie.

Help & Documentation

Application forms will be reviewed annually and updated if required. Updates will be published on this webpage. Stakeholder feedback on the application forms is welcomed and can be submitted via email to hechp@cru.ie.