Distributed Generation and Renewable Energy Sources

       

Further reading

• Introduction to Distributed Generation (3172)
• Distributed Generation - Integration & Interconnection (4096)
• Cogeneration (4373)
• Small Hydro Power - Investor Guide (30613)
• Wind Power (25126)

Distributed generation (DG) and renewable energy sources (RES) are attracting special attention. Both are seen as important in achieving two key goals:

• Increasing the security of energy supplies by reducing the dependency on imported fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal
• Reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide, from the burning of fossil fuels.

The term ‘renewable energy sources’ refers to ‘everlasting’ natural energy sources such as the sun and the wind. Renewable energy systems convert these natural energy sources into useful energy.

‘Distributed generation’ refers to the decentralised generation of electricity, perhaps, but not essentially, using RES. DG units are generally connected to the distribution level and have capacities ranging from a few kW to several tens of MW.

More:

• Wind Farm Development and Operation - A Case Study 
• Photovoltaic Installations 
• Policy & Incentives for Distributed Generation