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July 22, 2005
Decentralized energy sources can boost efficiency
According to a recent report by London based Greenpeace, as much as two-thirds of UK's energy is wasted due to large-scale centralized generation systems and ultra-long and complex power distribution networks.
Fifteen percent of electricity generated by centralized plants are wasted during transmission.
The decentralized power distribution model, which utilizes micro-power generation systems such as micro-turbines, windmills, mini-hydro power units, solar panels etc. can cut upto 40% of energy costs according to Thomas R Casten and Brennan Downes of the Skeptical Enquirer.
An article in The Asahi Shimbun stated recently that flexible, cheap and easy on the environment, mini-hydropower generators are creating a buzz in Japan. One doesn't have to change the course of rivers and move mountains to generate electricity.
The hydroelectric power plant perched over an irrigation canal near a roadside rice paddy in Kuroiso, Tochigi Prefecture, is the size of a garden shed.
Making use of a 2-meter drop in the water level, it can churn out 30 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power 50 households.
In the Philippines wind is being tapped at Southeast Asia’s largest wind farm at a sparsely populated stretch of coastline near the northern town of Bangui on the South China Sea coast of the main island of Luzon. However, the privately run 24.75mw project comprising 15 towers can only serve half the needs of Ilocos Norte, one of the country’s 75 provinces.
Decentralised energy is crucial for densely populated developing nations and emerging economic giants like China and India. The power needs of developing countries may overwhelm global ecological balance with economic prosperity. But developing a decentralised energy system in response to growth in demand for power in such regions would enable countries to reduce associated carbon emissions by as much as 56% as compared to the centralised scenario - and costs would be reduced by 40% as well according to the Greenpeace report.
Posted by admin at July 22, 2005 07:03 AM