The Great Lakes Zephyr - Wind Energy & Hydrogen Journal

Decentralized Energy and National Security

by magix

As the developer a rooftop wind turbine that converts turbulent, gusty, non laminar air flow into power I pay close attention to the global movement toward energy decentralization. Decentralized energy (DE) is power that is produced at or near the point of consumption and has advantages over the centralized power generation model we have all become accustomed to.

Benefits of DE are multifold and include efficiency by way of both thermal gains for fossil fuel generators and reduced line or 'wheeling' losses. Economic modeling indicates that in the US DE will average 44% lower capital costs and 15% lower retail costs. Other benefits include climate or carbon neutrality, reliability and security.

A major benefit of DE is the reduced environmental footprint of producing energy. Centralized energy, whether it is from renewable sources such as wind or hydro, or from fossil fuel powered plants or LNG terminals use vast amounts of land and in the case of wave energy, vast amounts of cubic ocean space and sea bed. Centralized power further imprints an enormous environmental footprint via pipelines or the high voltage transmission lines needed to transport energy to the consumer.

Prior to privatization of power generation in the US community ownership of power generating facilities was common and is implemented widely in Europe. Community owned wind, for example, is...FULL STORY