An embedded generation system refers to electricity generation or storage facilities connected directly to the local power grid that delivers electricity to homes and businesses, rather than the high-voltage network used for long-distance transmission.
Defining Embedded Generation
Embedded generation is a key concept in the modern energy landscape. It is also commonly known by other names, including distributed generation (DG) or distributed energy resources (DER).
Based on energy definitions, embedded generation is defined as:
electricity generation or storage plants connected to a distribution network rather than the transmission network.
This distinction in connection point is the fundamental characteristic that defines embedded generation.
Where It Connects
Understanding where embedded generation connects is crucial:
- Distribution Network: This is the part of the electricity grid that takes power from substations and delivers it locally through lower-voltage lines and poles to end consumers (homes, businesses, industrial sites). Embedded generators connect here.
- Transmission Network: This is the high-voltage network that carries electricity over long distances from large power plants to major substations. Traditional, large-scale power plants are typically connected to the transmission network.
This table highlights the key difference:
| System Type | Connection Point |
|---|---|
| Embedded Generation | Distribution Network |
| Traditional Generation | Transmission Network |
Examples of Embedded Generation
Embedded generation systems come in various forms, often utilizing renewable or smaller-scale technologies. Examples include:
- Rooftop Solar Panels: Photovoltaic systems installed on buildings that feed excess power into the local distribution grid.
- Small Wind Turbines: Individual turbines or small wind farms connected at the distribution level.
- Biomass Plants: Facilities converting organic material into electricity for local consumption.
- Small Hydroelectric Plants: Power generation from small rivers or water sources connected to the local grid.
- Battery Storage Systems: Energy storage facilities connected to the distribution network, capable of injecting stored power when needed.
- Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Units: Systems that generate both electricity and useful heat, often located at industrial sites or large buildings and connected locally.
Why is it Significant?
Connecting generation and storage assets directly to the distribution network offers several potential benefits:
- Closer to Demand: Power is generated or stored nearer to where it is consumed, potentially reducing energy losses associated with long-distance transmission.
- Increased Grid Reliability: Distributed sources can provide power locally, potentially supporting the grid during outages affecting the transmission system.
- Integration of Renewables: The distribution network is often the most practical connection point for intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind, which may be located in diverse areas.
- Reduced Transmission Congestion: Generating power locally can alleviate pressure on transmission lines.
In essence, embedded generation represents a shift towards a more decentralized energy system, complementing traditional large-scale power generation.
