by Distributed generation is a decentralized electricity production mechanism that is characterized by the proximity between generating equipment and consumers.
But ultimately, what are the particularities of this modality? If you are looking to learn more about this topic, in the following lines you will find relevant information about distributed generation and its 5 most important advantages.
What is distributed generation?
In this type of system, the electricity supply is the result of the installation of several small generators in the region where the consumption centers are located or in the same place where the energy is used.
Decentralized production can use different sources of resources such as wind, solar, biomass energy, small hydroelectric plants and natural gas generation equipment, among others.
Indeed, a good example of distributed generation are the photovoltaic systems installed on the roofs of companies and homes, since they correspond to micro or small sources of energy for self-consumption.
Therefore, decentralized energy supply is a modality opposed to traditional energy supply, in which a large power plant generates energy and distributes it to different places through a transmission network.
5 advantages of distributed generation
Given the economic, social and cultural perspectives, distributed electricity generation provides numerous advantages, such as:
- Reduction of losses in the electrical network
With the decentralization of the electricity supply, energy can be produced in the place where it is used or, failing that, in places close to consumption centers.
In this way, the need to send energy to distant regions is mitigated, which makes it possible to reduce the costs with materials and labor required for the construction of the transmission network.
Likewise, the losses caused by the overload in the transmission lines caused by the joule effect are reduced, thus contributing more efficiency to the electrical system.
- Decrease in investments
As distributed generation encourages both individuals and companies to produce their energy using their own or financed capital, large power supply plants manage to reduce their investments in terms of transmission network development, including the amounts necessary for regional connection and for the distribution of centralized energy.
- Expansion of the energy matrix
This type of electricity generation enables a rapid expansion of the electricity supply, which generates a reduction in the cost and an increase in the availability of electricity in the country, which is why it is necessary to talk about energy autonomy.
In fact, by investing in the construction of compact energy generation systems, both organizations and public entities gain autonomy in terms of generation and distribution of electrical energy.
With the adoption of this distributed energy system, it is no longer exclusively dependent on the large producing power plants, in this way businesses, hospitals, homes and other facilities located in areas far from said supplier units can ensure their energy availability.
- Reduction of environmental impact
In addition to guaranteeing energy supply to regions far from the conventional production center, distributed energy systems contribute to the preservation of the environment.
Likewise, the losses caused by the overload in the transmission lines are reduced, thus contributing more efficiency to the electrical system.
Another positive point related to decentralized production is the use of local renewable resources, since producers work with lower capacity sources such as solar and wind energy.
In short, these systems do not affect the environment as other alternatives do, since this type of energy supply encourages the use of alternative and clean sources, thus causing a more sustainable and environmentally positive electricity production.
- Job creation
By virtue of the incentive for the installation of small and numerous electric power generators, distributed generation allows investments, generates local jobs and moves different sectors of the economy from manufacturing to installation of the systems.
Recognized as a global trend, this type of energy generation leads to a more efficient, and sustainable and economic energy system, equally benefiting both distributed companies and consumers.
In short, distributed generation goes hand in hand with sustainable development and energy efficiency. Therefore, we can say that it has great development potential both in the short and medium term, especially by virtue of the inherent Mexican objective of reducing polluting emissions in the national territory.
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