A Distributed Energy System is a collection of energy sources, energy storage and distribution linked to local demand. They may contain a fossil fuel element (eg a gas-fired combined heat and power plant) but they will predominantly be based on local sustainable sources such as waste, geothermal, wind, biomass or, for coastal sites, wave and tidal power. They can truly be called a 'system' when they have some interdependency and indeed the demand they meet also has some form of control. The recognisable features are low transmission distances (and hence losses) and small scale plant interspersed in other local facilities.
The emissions created by transporting this electricity and heat mean that there is a genuine benefit in looking for methods of generating and supplying energy nearer to its point of use.
Distributed Energy Systems, are all about the local supply of electricity and heat which is generated on or near the site where it is used rather than centrally. This will help address a range of issues in addition to carbon reduction; these are energy costs, exposure to price volatility, distribution losses, and energy reliability. In addition, Distributed Energy Systems can provide opportunities for local economic development and provide energy for communities which are off the gas or electricity grids.
There are, however, still engineering as well as organisational issues that need to be resolved before Distributed Energy Systems can become widely workable and affordable.
There are, however, still engineering as well as organisational issues that need to be resolved before Distributed Energy Systems can become widely workable and affordable.The Institution is accordingly providing effort and support to the identification and resolution of these issues, in order to help realise more fully the benefits that Distributed Energy Systems have to offer.
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