Challenges in distributed generation
Challenges in distributed generation
(OP)
Hello All,
I am looking to understand the reasons why distributed energy resources do not yet make up a significant portion of generation. The idea has obvious benefits (more reliable system, decreased losses, etc.) and the installation of renewable resources is encouraged by many utilities and civic bodies; yet it does not seem to have taken off in most areas. What are some of the barriers or challenges associated with installing distributed generation systems? And do you think that their prevalence is likely to increase in the future, or will they continue to make up a relatively small portion of generation?
Thank you!
I am looking to understand the reasons why distributed energy resources do not yet make up a significant portion of generation. The idea has obvious benefits (more reliable system, decreased losses, etc.) and the installation of renewable resources is encouraged by many utilities and civic bodies; yet it does not seem to have taken off in most areas. What are some of the barriers or challenges associated with installing distributed generation systems? And do you think that their prevalence is likely to increase in the future, or will they continue to make up a relatively small portion of generation?
Thank you!






RE: Challenges in distributed generation
xnuke
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RE: Challenges in distributed generation
I have seen requirements for small DG to interconnect to MV lines which require distance relaying, in addition to IEEE 1547 requirements. Unless the DG has some huge $$$ incentives, it is not often financially feasible for small scale. As a recent example, a 850 kW cow manure digester plant was over $1M for the plant alone. A dedicated feeder to the substation was $200k. Don't exactly know what the additional PT's and relaying on utility side was. The only real winner there was the farmer.
RE: Challenges in distributed generation
Also, I don't necessarily accept your "obvious benefits", especially regarding reliability.
I remain skeptical that distributed generation will play anything more than a secondary role in overall power production until there are major technology breakthroughs that allow cheap storage of generated energy and cheap transmission of bulk power. I don't see either on the horizon. The only exception might be PV systems, but even those will be quite limited in terms of the total energy requirements for the grid.