EL&P research series: Distributed generation survey translates into tale of three market makers Equipment/service suppliers are fast out of the gate; utilities take wait and see approach

摘要

EL&P introduces the first of its exclusive research series planned to provide the most up-to-date perspectives on various industry "hot topics" for our readers. Distributed generation (DG) was the subject of this survey recently conducted for EL&P by PRTM, a global management consulting firm. Let's start with the definition of DG used in the survey: DG is the use of small-scale power generation technologies located on-site or near the location of the energy usage. DG technologies are small, modular, and come in sizes that range in capacity from kW to MW (typically less than 30 MW) and include reciprocating engines, microturbines, combustion gas turbines, fuel cells, wind turbines, photovoltaic systems, and all supporting technologies. Survey results developed into a snapshot of the DG market with three major groups of players―utilities, equipment providers and service suppliers.