Conventionally, power is generated in large power station and delivered through high voltage transmission line that stretches across the county. Initially, it reaches a substation where, voltage is lowered to suit smaller power lines.
Traditionally, electricity has been treated as a commodity instead of service and even this service is gradually turning poor. In order to free from this quality of service, Decentralized energy has been suggested. Decentralization has been gaining momentum mainly owing to – Customers’ better knowledge on problems in their localities; their better ideas on where to invest and manage more efficiently; greater advantage being direct participation in decision process.
Decentralised energy is generated off the main grid and close to the usage point unlike large plant elsewhere sent through national grid. This not only reduces fossil fuel but increases eco-efficiency as well. This is indeed is a new approach in the energy sector world over. Utilities have started recognizing it in improving local electricity grid power quality and reduce the need for expensive supply of electricity. These are small scale energy generation structures which are either stand alone or connected to others through network that deliver energy to local customers.
Decentralised Renewable Energy an offshoot was to be created. Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE) could support household, community and productive energy needs and above all, could serve as franchise to meet last mile maintenance service. Complimentarities to the distributed systems would always prove beneficial with least investments.
It is indeed time ripe for an overhauling of the energy sector now before the chance is lost. Not only do the utilities need to explore options for cleaner but, more efficient energy generation but also pay greater attention to their distribution as well and decentralized energy has proven its benefits already.
Similar to the serious attention on the strategic energy options during the post pandemic phase, decentralised electric supply to customer is more important at this juncture than any other time owing to the advantages that it brings with it. In fact, decentralized electricity delivery would reduce the burden on the utility to a great extent. Moreover, customers have realized the advantage of being independent on power requirement over a period of time. Though this started initially at the individual level, it seems to be gradually spreading to communities as well and there are many examples in this regard. A dozen housing societies in Delhi, India benefited from distributed solar installations. Similarly, about 1000 health centres are using rooftop solar systems and saving on diesel which has been found beneficial in improved health outcome.
As I said, these options reduce demand on the grid. A rise of global demand for stationary electricity storage has risen phenomenally from a mere 400 MW to 50 GW. Apart from this, even household appliances (lights, fans, and refrigerator) are also being replaced with superefficient ones in order to make the best use of energy. The entire scheme has undergone unexpected shift in digitalization as digitally connected systems interact with each other and coordinate with the grid.
Pandemic though has been treated as an unwanted phase of global economy; it has brought with it certain unexpected but, welcome changes which will transform the future trend, as well.
With greater time available to everyone including children, many children have excelled in applications like, small solar module to power gadgets as for example Robot which, have become quite popular. In addition, solar dryers, freezers, sewing machines and many such appliances that are essential to not only urban but even rural markets have created new jobs for skills.
Decentralization has been gaining momentum mainly owing to – Customers better knowledge of problems in their localities; their better ideas on where to invest and manage more efficiently; greater advantage being direct participation in decision process
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