Microgeneration in the UK and Germany from a Technological Innovation Systems Perspective

  • Barbara Praetorius
  • Mari Martiskainen
  • Raphael Sauter
  • Jim Watson
Chapter
First Online:
Part of the Sustainability and Innovation book series (SUSTAINABILITY)

Abstract

Microgeneration, the production of electricity at the level of individual buildings or small local communities, has recently enjoyed increasing attention from politicians and energy analysts. A more decentralized or distributed electricity generation system could contribute to a transition towards a more sustainable energy system. Compared to the traditional electricity system based on fossil fuels and nuclear energy, microgeneration can in many circumstances reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when it replaces fossil fuels by renewable fuels, and also by increasing total efficiency through the combined generation of heat and power in small cogeneration units. In addition, generation of power close to the point of use could reduce power transport over long distances and thereby increase the overall efficiency of the electricity system and reliability of power supply. Finally, microgeneration can increase consumers’ choice about their energy provision and potentially improve overall competition (Pehnt et al. 2006).

Keywords

Renewable Energy Wind Turbine Renewable Energy Technology Renewable Electricity Energy Supplier 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Notes

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge funding from the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) and from the UK Economic and Social Research Council. We would also like to thank the reviewers and colleagues who commented on previous drafts of this chapter.

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Copyright information

© Physica-Verlag HD 2012

Authors and Affiliations

  • Barbara Praetorius
    • 1
  • Mari Martiskainen
    • 2
  • Raphael Sauter
    • 2
  • Jim Watson
    • 2
  1. 1.Research Affiliate, DIWBerlinGermany
  2. 2.SPRUUniversity of SussexBrightonUK

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