Alternative . Renewable . Energy

How to do decentralized energy

I find myself becoming increasingly interested in the possibilities presented by micro-generation. Jamais over on World Changing points to a recent report from Greenpeace UK, called Decentralising Power: An Energy Revolution For The 21st Century. It suggests the current system in the UK is horribly ineffecient, with 2/3 of the energy power stations generated lost before it reaches the end users.

The report, Decentralising Power: An Energy Revolution For The 21st Century, argues that a reform of the electricity system is urgently needed to end this environmentally destructive wastage - the power sector is the single greatest contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. The solution is to generate electricity close to where it is needed, or 'decentralise' it.

A decentralised energy system would see everyday buildings playing host to devices such as solar panels, small wind turbines and combined heat and power boilers, which generate electricity as well as providing heat and hot water. The electricity created would be used directly by the house or workplace, and the surplus would be fed into a local network. This electricity would then be locally distributed, avoiding the significant loss that occurs when electricity is transported long distances.

The Greenpeace press release points to some decentralized energy trivia.

Since switching to such a system, Woking Borough Council has slashed its emissions of carbon dioxide, the main global warming gas, by almost 80%. And Holland meets 40% of national electricity demand through decentralised energy.

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Micro-generation whitepaper

Yesterday I made a post about the potential of micro-generation. Here is a recent whitepaper (June 2005) out of the UK that takes an in depth look at it.

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Micro-generation

One thing that has been catching my eye recently is the whole potential of micro-generation. Check out this Time magazine article for a peek at what it's all about.

Micropower is far less of an imposition on the landscape, though, than big wind farms and solar arrays, and it's also part of a growing trend toward local production of goods and services, including energy. "Mini-wind turbines and solar arrays should become familiar household fixtures," according to Joanna Collins, author of the British environmental think-tank Green Alliance's A Microgeneration Manifesto. "These new technologies cut greenhouse-gas emissions [and] provide reliable energy supplies."

In a nutshell microgeneration is anything involving individual homes, businesses, etc. generating their own power. Mini energy factories, if you will. It seems like there could be tremendous potential here. There appears to be some signs of  increasing micro-generation support, but overall I haven't seen much action in that direction.

Why is it not being promoted more? Any thoughts?

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