Most electrical power generation in the US is done at large, centralized plants, be they coal, gas, hydro, nuclear, or geothermal. Many wind and solar farms are large enough to be ranked as “utility-size” as well. Although there are advantages to these large electrical generation facilities, there has been growing interest in small-scale facilities; those that generate 10 MW of electrical power or less. These facilities can supply electricity to up to 5,000-10,000 homes. The lowest member of this group is the rooftop solar generation system generating 10 kW or less.
Designing the next-generation transmission and distribution network to accommodate many distributed generation facilities is challenging even if done from scratch. But, in most cases, the design can work with the existing infrastructure for transmission and distribution of electrical power.
Beginning in late 2022, the Maine Public Utilities Commission started to assess what the future grid should look like with many more solar and wind generation facilities, from rooftop solar and homeowner windmills to community solar arrays and wind farms. Sierra Club Maine advocates for small-scale generation facilities that decrease electricity costs for individuals and communities. Sierra Club Maine opposes small nuclear reactors and generally opposes new biomass plants and new hydroelectric plants.
Resources
- The National Renewable Energy Laboratory describes distributed electricity sources
- The Sierra Club Energy Policy specifically expresses preference for distributed energy sources
- Maine Public Utilities Commission Notice of Proceedings for ElectricTransmission and Distribution
- The International Energy Agency reports on the pros and cons of distributed energy sources