New report provides arguments for decentralised energy generation

Some nice arguments re decentralised energy generation from a new report by the UK new Economics Foundation. http://www.neweconomics.org/gen/news_mirageandoasis.aspx.

"The potential of getting energy from a decentralised system of very small-scale, micro-generation from renewable sources has been critically overlooked. In the UK, for example, one estimate suggests that if just around one third of electricity customers installed 2kW of micro-generation, using solar photovoltaic (PV) or wind systems it would match the capacity of the UK nuclear programme.

But, apart from its low cost and climate friendliness, it has other particular advantages:

• Reducing the total supply capacity needed within networks, and reducing the need for peak provision in electricity networks, which is one of the biggest planning headaches for utility managers.

• A better guarantee against blackouts through the reduction of power system losses; and the ability to adjust supply to match demand.

• Much less power lost during transmission and major energy efficiency gains.

• Automatic provision of diversity in terms of power and location, which therefore reduces the vulnerability of the system and increases the security of supply.

• Speed of installation - units can be installed far more quickly than a central station or transmission and distribution line; and modular systems mean great potential for scaling up.

• Lower financial risk than large stations or transmission and distribution lines.

• Better inoculation against price fluctuations in fossil fuels through the renewables-based mix.

• Micropower provides local choice and control, the option of relying on local fuels and spurring community economic development."

The full text of the book is free at http://www.neweconomics.org/gen/z_sys_publications.aspx?page=825&folder=140§ion=environment