The Case for Decentralized Generation of Electricity, Essay Example

The case for decentralized generation of electricity asserts the demerits of centralization of power generation. The books covers a brief history of power generation, where it points out that from 1910 t0 1960’s, power generation was done far from people in a centralized location in order to avoid pollution to people since the generation used fossil fuels. It also points to the growing demand of power from then on and its improved provision was due to adoption of huge turbines and huge grid lines.

The use of centralized system of power generation as impractical and its near universal acceptance is skeptical, the author notes. In particular, it cites the need for generating companies to be allowed to employ their monopoly profits in build of more efficient decentralized power generation. It stresses on the need of decentralization by comparing it to a situation where one controls beneficial development projects.

The article cites a case of World Energy Outlook Reference, which assesses the fact that world energy demands will not be met by the fossil fuels by 2030. However, the article criticizes the case as making assumptions that by then, world energy generation would be centralized and that technologies will have modest change in addition to unchanged energy policies within the same period. The article cites that in early days of power generation, most power generating companies recycled heat and this tremendously improved their efficiency to a peak over 60%, a feat that is yet to be achieved by modern electricity centralized generation of power. The author of the article cites the fact that modern generations are friendly since they emit less gases and if these generations used decentralized system, it would allow it to achieve even greater efficiency since waste heat can be recycled.

The article further points on the importance of locating power generation near to end users as this would cut on costs of transmission and distribution. Similarly, it gives an argument that we have many factories, which keep burning millions of fossil fuels to generate steam for use in such factories, and therefore, the article cites the fact that such companies saving millions of shillings could easily use such waste steam from central power generation and reduce use of fossil fuels.

I strongly agree to the assertion on efficient use of fossil fuels and the need to increase efficiency through recycling of heat and have it used by other industries. Efficiency is key to ensuring wise resource use. Many of the fossil fuels are source of non-renewable energy and its wise use critical to any development that is focused on future and sustainability, (Massey, 2010). Although fossil fuels actually take time to regenerate, the rate of world consumption exceeds the rate at which it is formed meaning the fossil fuel will be exhausted at some point.

The other major issue is the efficiency in power generation that is way far below the efficiency achieved in ancient power generations. There is need to improve efficiency in centralized power generation, (Bollen, 2011). Unlike in the past where distributed power used a lot of capital to built, it is now possible to built small power closer to the point of use with maximum efficiency. The centralized system being located far from process factors inefficiently discard hot steam that results from power generation and this creates efficiency issue since many of the factories use a great deal of fuel in heating volumes of water to generate steam. This presents an inefficiency in power generation since a sizeable portion of fossil fuel goes into wise use whereas bigger portion is wasted in form of heat that would otherwise be channeled to factories if such generations were done closer to end users.

Modern distributed electricity generating companies are targeting use of solar energy in production of more efficient voltaic cells, (Jenkins, Ekanayake & Strbac, 2010). This represents a major shift and focus in power generation. This is in line with the view from the article that it is wrong to say that the power demand will grow by two-thirds and the fossil fuels will be able to meet only 90% of such needs. The view as taken by World Energy Outlook Conference Case is flawed and it does not take into considerations the rapid and ever-growing innovations in the distributed systems which are far more efficient ways in which power is generated and distributed.

Tesla motors present an American firm that specializes in production of electric motors a good case for efficient use of energy in distributed system. The company has plans in place to construct a mega factory that is intended to produce many lithium batteries by 2020. According to the company, the plans are intended to power more electric cars and excess energy can be stored to be used when need arises. This significant step removes more dependency on fossil fuels. World Energy Outlook Conference Case might have overlooked such alternative forms of energy generation, which are far more efficient and provides energy closer to end users, (Wood,2008). Similarly, there exists huge capacity for development of solar energy in developing world in addition to wind energy. The author is right in his view that centralized generations represent a bleak future compared to distributed generation of power.

The huge output from the factory offers production of small quantities of electricity near the point of use unlike in distributed system, that produce large amounts in one place. The other major indication of a shift in focus has been shown by the move by GE to bring together all its transport, engine divisions and transport that meets what it refers to as “$100 billion opportunity”. This new assertion further puts more emphasis on the idea the author suggests that distributed generation is far forward.

Most of distributed systems make use of renewable energy sources. However, this is not an entire case since there are some generations that make use of non-renewable sources of energy to generate power for use. These institutions, however, recognize the need for development of efficient systems as suggested by the author of this article. Wesleyan University in Connecticut is such a good example that uses non-renewable gas to generate over 90% of electricity for use in the university while using waste heat from the engines to heat the buildings as well as providing hot water. This has enabled the institution to cut energy consumption in the institution by amazing 30%. This represents a well-managed case of generation and distribution of power with great efficiency.

The main way I might use the arguments articulated in this article is to present employ ideas of power efficiency in creation of sustainable power supply in future so that resources are used for the benefit of future generations. However, there may result environmental concerns of decentralized pollution due to decentralized generations of electricity and this forms a source of major concern. The decentralized pollution, although may seem insignificant, pose great health problems in the end. Therefore, a clear mechanism needs to be established to avert such concerns. In the end, clean energy for example solar energy may be the way forward in distributed generations and distributions. The use of solar and wind energy in decentralized generation and distribution of electricity, in addition to being clean, it is renewable and removes the panic of the world demand for power not being met due to diminishing fossil fuel deposits.

References

Bollen, M. H. J. (2011). Integration of distributed generation in the power system. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.

Jenkins, N., Ekanayake, J. B., & Strbac, G. (2010). Distributed generation. London: Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Massey, G. W., National Fire Protection Association., & National Electrical Code (Body). (2010). Essentials of distributed generation systems. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Wood, J., & Institution of Engineering and Technology. (2008). Local energy: Distributed generation of heat and power. London: Institution of Engineering and Technology.