Anonymous writes: The practice of installing and operating electric generating
equipment at or near the site of where the power is used is known as
"distributed generation" (DG). Distributed generation provides
electricity to customers on-site or supports a distribution network,
connecting to the grid at distribution level voltages.
The traditional model of electricity generation
in the United States, which may be referred to as "central" generation,
consists of building and operating large power plants, transmitting the
power over distances and then having it delivered through local utility
distribution systems.
The practice of installing and operating electric generating
equipment at or near the site of where the power is used is known as
"distributed generation" (DG). Distributed generation
provides electricity to customers on-site or supports a distribution
network, connecting to the grid at distribution level voltages. DG
technologies include engines, small (and micro) turbines, fuel cells, and photovoltaic systems.
Distributed generation may provide some or all of customers'
electricity needs. Customers can use DG to reduce demand charges
imposed by their electric utility or to provide premium power or reduce
environmental emissions.
DG can also be used by electric utilities to enhance their distribution
systems. Many other applications for DG solutions exist.

For more information see: Distributed Generation Technologies: Applications and Challenges
With existing technology, every industrial or commercial facility
including factories, campuses, hospitals, hotels, department stores,
malls, airports, and apartment buildings can generate enough
electricity to meet its power needs under normal conditions, as well as
have back-up power during a blackout.
Distributed generation systems can provide an organization with the following benefits:
- Peak Shaving;
- On-site backup power during a voluntary interruption;
- Primary power with backup power provided by another supplier;
- Combined load heat and power for your own use;
- Load following for improved power quality or lower prices;
- To satisfy your preference for renewable energy
In conjunction with combined heat and power (CHP) applications, DG can improve overall thermal efficiency.
On a stand-alone basis, DG is often used as back-up power to enhance
reliability or as a means of deferring investment in transmission and
distribution networks, avoiding network charges, reducing line losses,
deferring construction of large generation facilities, displacing
expensive grid-supplied power, providing alternative sources of supply
in markets, and providing environmental benefits.
Power generation technologies have evolved significantly in the past
decade, making DG much more efficient, clean, and economically viable.
Substantial efforts are being made to develop environmentally sound
and cost-competitive small-scale electric generation that can be
installed at or near points of use in ways that enhance the reliability
of local distribution systems or avoid more expensive system additions.
Examples of these distributed resources include fuel cells, efficient
small gas turbines, and photovoltaic arrays.
This report on Distributed Generation Technologies
takes an in-depth look at the industry and analyzes the various
technologies that contribute to distributed generation in today's age.
The report focuses on these technologies through case studies,
examples, and equations and formulas. The report also contains analysis
of the leading countries actively promoting distributed generation.
About the Publisher: This report is published by Energy Business Reports, an energy industry think tank and leading source for energy industry information and research products. Energy Business Reports publishes and markets leading-edge industry reports in all sectors of the energy markets.