(11/P124) TRENTON - As part of its commitment to a cleaner and more diverse energy future for New Jersey as well as common sense regulations, the Department of Environmental Protection has developed a new general permit to make it faster and easier for a wide range of facilities such as small- to moderate-size manufacturers, office complexes, apartment complexes, hospitals, schools and other institutions to turn energy used for heating into electricity.

This general permit will help the state meet Governor Christie's goals for cleaner and more diverse energy generation by enabling many small and moderate size facilities to more easily tap into a growing sector of the energy market known as combined heat and power generation. This technology, also known as cogeneration, uses what otherwise would be waste exhaust heat to efficiently generate electricity and useful heat. Applicants must still meet the DEP's tough air pollution standards when using this technology.

"This permit is a positive step for the environment, for electricity consumers and for job creation, and exemplifies the Administration's commitment to common sense rules and procedures that protect the environment and help the economy," said Commissioner Bob Martin. "This general permit will allow operators of a wide range of facilities to more quickly install a cleaner technology, save on their energy bills, reduce demand for electricity from the power grid, and stimulate economic growth."

In addition to promoting development of solar and wind energy as part of a more diversified energy portfolio, the Christie Administration's Draft Energy Master Plan calls for the development of 1,500 megawatts of combined heat and power generation over the next decade.

Combined heat and power is an efficient, clean, and reliable approach to generating power and thermal energy from a single fuel source. Combined heat and power can greatly increase a facility's operational efficiency and decrease energy costs, at the same time reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The new general permit covers new combined heat and power facilities up to about five megawatts. Large projects that generate more than 5 megawatts must still apply for facility-specific air permits.

The technology that is used must still meet the state's tough standards for pollution controls. These standards are included in the conditions of the general permit.

Under the new general permit, applications can be made online and construction can begin immediately if all the conditions of the general permit are met and local approvals have been obtained.

To apply for the Combined Heat and Power General Permit, facility managers may access the Air Permitting Program website at www.state.nj.us/dep/aqpp/gp.html. Applicants need to complete a registration form online and email it to Air_General_Permits@dep.state.nj.us for approval. Instructions are included on the registration form. Questions may be directed to the Air Quality Permitting Program at (609) 633-2829.