Decentralised Energy Generation

The energy supply in Germany today is mainly based on large power plants which were built in close proximity to large customers. A shift to a decentralised generation structure where electricity and heat are generated directly on site greatly depends on the further development of decentralised power generation technologies and regulatory framework conditions. In the long run, decentralised energy generation will certainly make a significant contribution to supply. However, this contribution is often overrated because certain limiting conditions such as the provision and maintenance of networks or the heat sinks required for cogen systems are not given due consideration.

If political support for the development of decentralised power generation is maintained over the next twenty years, the existing network infrastructure must also be adapted. This development will require substantial capital, a fact which should not be underestimated. EnBW is testing and optimising different technologies for decentralised energy supply together with partner companies and customers in various field studies. Experience has shown that up to now mostly large cogen systems with more than one megawatt output reach acceptable levels of electrical efficiency. The efficiency of smaller plants must be further optimised.