COGEN Europe is the European Association for the Promotion of Cogeneration. Cogeneration or Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is the most efficient way to deliver heating, cooling and electricity. It is based on the simultaneous production of electricity and thermal energy, both of which are used. The central and most fundamental principle of cogeneration is that, in order to maximise the many benefits that arise from it, systems should be based according to the heat demand of the application. The association promotes the widespread development of cogeneration in Europe. To achieve this goal, COGEN Europe works at the EU level and with Member States to develop sustainable energy policies and remove unnecessary administrative and market barriers to its implementation. COGEN Europe was created in 1993 to support greater co-operative efforts at a European level to realise the full potential for cogeneration. Membership currently includes around 70 energy companies, national cogeneration associations, suppliers, users and energy services.