01/12/2022
Distributed Energy: the next generation of generation
The generation of heat and electricity close to the point of demand optimises energy flexibility and is a natural progression away from the old centralised, fossil-fuel-heavy hubs far away from the users, which were a blunt, insecure response to the specific energy needs of individual and diverse consumer types.
A report by Siemens found that the benefits that can be provided by distributed energy systems include lower cost grid-balancing, reduced emissions and provision of power to otherwise unconnected communities.
According to Statistica, the total installed capacity of the energy distribution network in the UK was about 34.6 gigawatts in 2021 with solar comprising the largest share, with installed solar capacity reaching approximately 14.1 gigawatts.
The vulnerabilities of energy supply and provision have been emphasised in 2022. Supply chains have become stretched and energy security challenged by geopolitics and consumer demand as a result of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Consequently, innovative grid-supporting and grid-independent energy solutions have become highly desirable options.
We are on the threshold of a far more integrated and energy-efficient future, where our energy requirements are met by highly adaptive and holistic systems connecting local with corporate energy supply and providing a measure of independence and opportunities for mutual support such as energy islanding. The internet of energy, using interconnected digital support, also provides a means by which isolated or contained communities can be both self-sufficient and part of global systems.
Traditional one-way energy supply has many drawbacks, not least its vulnerabilities. Therefore, innovative integrated solutions that spread risk and enhance supply make sense.
Never has the need for adaptable distributed energy solutions been so pressing. The pull factor of Net Zero and climate change was already a powerful influence on policy and strategy, but the current energy and supply chain crises are providing additional impetus and sharpening our focus on solutions such as distributed energy.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
A synergy of solar, wind and batteries is regarded, by some experts, as the silver bullet of energy provision being easy to scale, locate and integrate. However, the sun (fire), earth, air (wind) and water are all sources of energy that can be generated, stored and used far from where they occur. All energy sources, technologies and applications have their place in building comprehensive and often bespoke network coverage.
The sector comprises a wide variety of options, all of which will be displayed and discussed at The Distributed Energy Show. These include:
• Combined heat and power (CHP), AKA co-generation, which is an efficient process of capturing and using thermal energy created as a by-product of power generation to maximise societal benefit and minimise waste.
• Heat pumps are also highly efficient systems that can reduce a greenhouse gas footprint by 50-60%.
• The over-production of waste is as much of a problem as the under-production of energy, so energy from waste is an option for converting solid waste material into heat energy to drive turbines generating electricity. The result is cleaner earth and cleaner air.
• Natural gas-fired fuel cells use a chemical reaction to convert natural gas and oxygen into electricity, heat, and water without combustion.
• Distributed solar generation is a good example of the way distributed generation can work. Around one-third of solar energy in the USA is produced by small-scale behind the meter solar, for example.
• Wind turbines used as a distributed energy resource (distributed wind) are connected at the distribution level of an electricity delivery system (or in off-grid applications) to serve on-site energy demand or support the operation of local electricity distribution networks.
Manufacturer insight
Powerstar, is a manufacturer of behind the meter battery energy storage systems, as well as low-loss transformers and voltage optimisation technology.
“Battery energy storage systems play an increasingly critical role in the distributed energy sector, helping to balance inflexible generation with changing and increasing overall energy demand,” says the Powerstar CEO, Dr Alex Mardapittas.
As heating and transport is increasingly electrified, changing patterns of demand that may not match that of available generation, battery storage provides the flexibility to balance supply and demand more effectively.
Manufacturers and other energy-intensive users are increasingly experiencing power disruption that can impact on overall operations, productivity and profitability. While Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) can be used to prevent these disruptions, they typically bring with them an overall increase in energy consumption and wastage, which in turn increases their Scope 2 emissions. Powerstar says its battery energy storage systems provide the same instantaneous emergency power as other UPS, but with substantially lower energy costs and carbon emissions.
2G Energy has been installing and operating 100% hydrogen CHPs worldwide since 2012, providing large proportions of an organisation’s electricity and heat while helping them reach their Net Zero goals.
“As the specialists in the supply of high-efficiency CHP systems for natural gas, biogas and hydrogen, we have a power range between 20 and 4,500 kilowatts, its technology reducing long-term energy costs and creating independence from the rise in energy prices”, says Jenny Clements, Marketing Manager.
EWT (Emergya Wind Technologies UK Ltd) is also at the heart of the global transition towards lower carbon and more sustainable forms of power generation, helping individuals, businesses and communities of all sizes to become distributed energy champions. The company offers a range of direct drive wind turbine technologies, in the range 250kW to 1MW power output range, for farm owners, communities, developers, utilities and business owners looking to decarbonise their operations.
Off-setting the electricity from the grid with wind turbines has a stabilising effect on a farm business, enabling it to budget on reduced energy costs and the continuation of agricultural supplies to its customer base.
The light that leads the way
We are the new energy generation, working to optimise flexibility and revolutionise the energy industry. We know that the dynamic sector in which we work demands interaction, updated information and an exchange of ideas, which is where The Distributed Energy Show is a key component.
“The Distributed Energy Show brings together the entire decentralised energy supply chain in one place, and that’s why it’s such a great event,” says Jonathan Bairstow, Head of External Affairs at The Association for Decentralised Energy. “We all need to work together so our various technologies and approaches can create the interwoven fabric that is so essential in creating the energy system of the future.”
EWT exhibited at The Distributed Energy Show towards the end of 2021 and was able to engage with a diverse audience, but nearly all with the same aim, to reduce their reliance on a fossil-fuelled grid supply, to take control of their own energy costs, and deploy on-site renewable generation. “Sometimes wind is just part of the solution, but in general works very well and often compliments other technologies, such as solar PV and heat pumps. Therefore, it was also good to meet with other renewable technology providers.”
Powerstar also regards the show as an important opportunity to engage with other members of an important and rapidly changing sector:
“The importance being placed on decarbonisation by businesses, governments and the general public alike is driving huge amounts of innovation within the sector, and an event like this is a valuable opportunity to better keep pace with new potential partners and new technologies that synergise well with our own.”
Jenny Clements for 2G Energy, says, “It is also a valuable platform for us to communicate the role our own technologies can play in supporting distributed generation, including the key role of battery energy storage and our software controls in the operation of a wider smart microgrid.”
Decentralised energy solutions have a vital role in ensuring that industry can cut energy costs and increase their profit, the exhibition and conference can boost awareness of this technology and increase awareness, ensuring that the industry can become energy independent and gain back control.
Energy security begins at home, wherever that may be. Net Zero does not come from zero. Decentralisation and distribution of supply are vital components of a secure well-lit and temperature-ambient future. The industry is already optimising energy flexibility to achieve grid resilience. Come and learn how it’s done.
The Distributed Energy Show
The Distributed Energy Show, taking place on the 14th & 15th March 2023, attracts all the large energy-intensive users such as commercial, industrial, retail, housing developers with a full programme of wide-ranging technology that pulls together the most effective systems, expertise and technologies to help facilitate a smooth Net Zero journey.
The show is supported by the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE), the leading trade association for decentralised energy, representing more than 150 interested parties from across the industrial, commercial and public sectors.
It describes decentralised energy as energy based at or near the energy user and it has an integral role to play in the delivery of a flexible, smart energy future. Decentralised energy solutions are low carbon and efficient, offer users more choice in how they meet their energy needs and reduce network investment costs.
The ADE does not advocate for one decentralised energy technology over another, believing customer needs should drive the solution. It works to create a strong, dynamic and sustainable environment for a range of technologies including combined heat and power, demand side energy services, energy efficiency and heat networks.
The Distributed Energy Show is taking place on 14th – 15th March 2023 at Telford International Centre, UK. Register for your free ticket to the show here.