Electricity grids are slowly getting smarter. Simultaneously, the use of distributed generation is increasing. Though smart grid advocates tout the ability of a smarter grid to enable greater deployment of…
Distributed Energy
Renewable and fossil-fueled distributed generation technologies and policy, small-scale generation, user-generated power, microgrids
Our August 2009 issue reprinted a Marmaduke Surfaceblow adventure in which the fictional power engineer visits Camp Century, a “city under the ice” located in northern Greenland, about 900 miles…
It's a given that nobody knows the future; however, making year-ahead predictions about other parts of the power generation industry, particularly the U.S. portion, is relatively easy. In marked contrast,…
A 9.5-MW gas engine unveiled by GE this October for decentralized, independent power producers in remote, hot, or high-altitude regions features a 48.7% electrical efficiency and promises to reduce lifecycle…
The University of California, San Diego has been accumulating awards for its savvy use of a constellation of power generation and energy-saving technologies. The campus already controls a fully functioning…
Microturbine technology has evolved from early systems of 30 kW to 70 kW to today’s systems, which can have individual ratings of 200 kW to 250 kW. Packages up to…
“Smart Power Generation at UCSD” explains how the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is maximizing the value of combined heat and power. However, like any other grid-controlling entity large…
Where can you get the most frank answers to the question, "What do utility executives think about the smart grid?" Probably from the 2009–2010 " Platts/Capgemini Utilities Executive Study." Conducted…
"It’s déjà vu all over again," said Yogi Berra. The Hall of Fame catcher could easily have been predicting the coming resurgence of natural gas – fired generation. Yes, a…
With the eighth-largest economy in the world, Brazil has a clear need for power, but balancing supply and demand has proven tricky in recent decades. Even in a country where…