Glossary

The ratio of the actual output of a unit of electricity or heat generation over a period of time (typically one year) to the theoretical output that would be produced if the unit were operating without interruption at its rated capacity during the same period of time.

The rated power of a heat or electricity generating plant, which refers to the potential instantaneous heat or electricity output, or the aggregate potential output of a collection of such units (such as a wind farm or set of solar panels). Installed capacity describes equipment that has been constructed, although…

The British thermal unit (BTU or Btu) is a unit of heat; it is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. One Btu is approximately: 054 to 1.060 kJ (kilojoules) 2931 W⋅h (watt hours) 252 to 253…

Base load is the level below which electricity demand never drops, e.g. a site with a high maximum demand of 750 kVA whose demand never drops below 250 kVA would have a base load of 250 kVA.

The mechanism used by the National Grid Company (UK) to balance the supply and demand of electricity.

Availability (kVA) or Agreed Capacity refers to the limit of capacity for a site. E.g. if a site has an Availability of 150 kVA then maximum demand should not exceed that figure at any time. It is set and charged by the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), according to the…

New / developing thermal processes, such as gasification and pyrolysis, which can be utilised to dispose of municipal solid waste (MSW).

A fossil-free, low carbon drop-in diesel replacement product made from 100% renewable waste, residues, and vegetable oils.  

A renewable diesel fuel which can be produced from a wide range  of vegetable oils and fats

Heat energy emitted from within the earth’s crust, usually in the form of hot water and steam. It can be used to generate electricity in a thermal power plant or to provide heat directly at various temperatures.