Report calls on Government to develop vision for energy distributed generation

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energy industry has called on the Government to provide a clear vision on developing distributed generation.

This is when electricity generation is directly connected to a local distribution network or private network as opposed to the traditional transmission network.

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Both biomass and energy from waste combined heat and power technology can benefit from distributed generation as less energy is lost than when sending it over large distances over the traditional network.

The report, Distributed Generation: From Cinderella to Centre Stage, has been compiled by independent forum Carbon Connect and outlines 20 recommendations to the Government, Ofgem, Distribution Network Operators and others including the needs to a clearer vision from the Department of Energy and Climate Change to develop the benefits of it at local and national levels.

Laura Sandys MP said: “Distributed generation present the opportunity to quickly deliver much needed new generating capacity and attract investment in energy infrastructure from new and diverse sources. This is important is the UK is to keep the lights on as supply margin falls from 14 per cent to 4 per cent by 2015/16 and as the UK seeks £110 billion of investment in energy infrastructure by 2020.”

Covanta Energy director of public affairs David Massingham added: “Distributed generation has an essential part to play in solving the UK’s energy dilemma. The Government is obligated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2027 and 80 per cent by 2050 and electricity generation was accountable for 32 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions in 2011. The UK needs to invest in alternative sources of power generation and move away from its reliance on fossil fuels.”