Distributed Generation Market Share, Competitive Analysis, Growth Opportunity & Leading Key Players 2023-2030

Posted by Pearl Smith on June 7th, 2023

Distributed generation refers to the generation of electricity from multiple small-scale power sources located near the end-users or within the electricity distribution system, as opposed to relying solely on large centralized power plants. It is also known as decentralized generation or on-site generation.

In a traditional electricity system, power is generated at centralized power plants, transmitted over long distances through the transmission grid, and then distributed to consumers through the distribution grid. In a distributed generation system, however, electricity is generated closer to the point of consumption, reducing the need for extensive transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Distributed generation can involve various technologies, including:

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: These systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using solar panels.

•Wind Turbines: Small-scale wind turbines can be installed to harness wind energy and generate electricity.

• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems: Also known as cogeneration systems, these generate both electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source, such as natural gas.

• Microturbines: These are small gas turbines that can be used for electricity generation in decentralized settings.

• Fuel Cells: Fuel cells produce electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with the byproduct being water.

• Biomass Systems: Biomass, such as organic waste or wood pellets, can be used to generate electricity and heat through combustion or gasification.

Distributed generation offers several benefits:

• Improved Reliability: By diversifying power sources, distributed generation can enhance the reliability and resilience of the electricity grid. If one source fails, others can continue supplying power.

• Energy Efficiency: Combined heat and power systems, in particular, can achieve higher energy efficiency by utilizing waste heat that would otherwise be wasted in centralized power plants.

•Reduced Transmission Losses: Generating electricity closer to the point of consumption reduces the need for long-distance transmission, which can lead to lower transmission losses.

• Integration of Renewable Energy: Distributed generation allows for easier integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into the electricity grid.

• Demand Response: Distributed generation enables demand response programs, where consumers can adjust their electricity usage patterns in response to supply fluctuations, promoting a more balanced grid.

• Local Economic Development: Distributed generation systems often create local job opportunities, promote local energy production, and reduce dependence on imported energy sources.

The distributed generation market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years due to several factors:

• Increasing demand for electricity: Rising population, economic growth, and industrial development have led to an increased need for electricity worldwide. Distributed generation offers a decentralized solution to meet this growing demand.

• Renewable energy integration: The shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources has driven the adoption of distributed generation, especially from renewable sources like solar and wind. Governments and policymakers are promoting distributed generation as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

• Advancements in technology: Technological advancements in renewable energy systems, such as improvements in solar PV efficiency and reductions in costs, have made distributed generation more economically viable and attractive to consumers and businesses.

• Energy security and resilience: Distributed generation provides a decentralized and diversified energy infrastructure, reducing dependence on centralized power plants and transmission networks. This enhances energy security and resilience, particularly in areas prone to grid disruptions or natural disasters.

• Government incentives and policies: Many governments have implemented supportive policies, incentives, and regulations to encourage the adoption of distributed generation. These include feed-in tariffs, net metering, tax credits, and renewable portfolio standards.

Some of the leading players in the distributed generation market are Siemens AG, General Electric (U.S.), Schneider Electric SE, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, and Capstone, Activ Solar GmbH, Ballard Power Systems Inc., Fortis Wind Energy, GE Power & Water, Juwi Inc., Sharp Corporation, Cummins Inc. (U.S.), Caterpillar Inc. (U.S.).

The demand for distributed generation (DG) is driven by various factors, including the need for reliable and sustainable energy sources, increasing electricity demand, energy security concerns, and government policies promoting decentralized power generation. Here are some key factors contributing to the demand for distributed generation:

• Energy access and electrification: In many parts of the world, there is still a lack of access to reliable electricity. Distributed generation offers a viable solution to meet the energy needs of remote or underserved areas that may not have access to centralized power grids.

• Grid resiliency and reliability: Distributed generation can enhance grid resiliency by providing localized power generation, reducing the vulnerability of electricity supply to disruptions and improving reliability. This is particularly important in areas prone to extreme weather events or natural disasters.

v Decentralization and energy independence: Distributed generation enables energy consumers to have greater control over their energy supply. By generating their own electricity on-site, consumers can reduce their dependence on centralized utilities and have greater independence in meeting their energy needs.

• Renewable energy integration: The transition to clean and renewable energy sources is a significant driver of distributed generation. Solar PV, wind turbines, and other renewable technologies can be deployed at or near the point of consumption, reducing transmission and distribution losses and facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable energy into the grid.

• Distributed energy resources (DER) management: The increasing adoption of DER, including energy storage systems, demand response programs, and smart grid technologies, creates a need for distributed generation to optimize the management and utilization of these resources. Distributed generation can work in tandem with DER to balance energy supply and demand, support grid stability, and enable more efficient energy management.

• Government incentives and regulations: Government policies and incentives play a crucial role in driving the demand for distributed generation. These can include feed-in tariffs, net metering programs, tax incentives, grants, and renewable energy mandates. Such measures encourage individuals, businesses, and utilities to invest in distributed generation projects.

• The specific demand for distributed generation will vary across regions, depending on factors like energy infrastructure, economic development, environmental concerns, and policy frameworks. The growth of distributed generation is expected to continue as the energy transition progresses, and technologies become more cost-effective and efficient.

While distributed generation (DG) offers numerous benefits, there are also several challenges that need to be addressed for its widespread adoption. Here are some key challenges faced by the distributed generation market:

Interconnection and grid integration: Integrating distributed generation into existing power grids can be complex. Challenges include ensuring seamless and reliable interconnection, managing power flow and voltage stability, and maintaining grid reliability with a high penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources. Upgrading and modernizing grid infrastructure to accommodate DG can be costly and time-consuming.

Regulatory and policy barriers: Regulatory frameworks and policies may not always be well-aligned with the integration of distributed generation. Issues such as interconnection standards, net metering regulations, and tariff structures can vary across regions and pose barriers to DG deployment. Uncertain or unfavorable policies can discourage investment in distributed generation projects.

Technical challenges: Distributed generation often relies on intermittent energy sources like solar and wind, which can pose technical challenges. Variations in energy generation due to weather conditions can lead to voltage fluctuations, grid instability, and power quality issues. Integrating energy storage and implementing advanced grid management technologies can help mitigate these challenges but may add additional costs.