Capgemini ses - smart grid operational services - distributed generation fact sheet (gr2)
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Distributed generation involves generating electricity near where it will be used through small-scale renewable or traditional energy sources installed behind utility meters or on the utility grid. This allows customers to generate their own electricity to use or sell back to the grid. A smart grid can integrate these distributed generation resources to increase reliability and utilize both renewable and traditional energy sources through hybrid systems. Distributed generation provides benefits like reduced costs, increased reliability and use of renewable resources for both utilities and customers.
Capgemini ses - smart grid operational services - distributed generation fact sheet (gr2)
- 1. Energy, Utilities & Chemicals the way we do it Distributed Generation: Giving Customers a Choice in Energy Sources On a traditional power grid, energy generation and distribution were relatively simple. The generator produced electricity at a plant, and the transmission system carried electricity from the plant to substations. At the substation, the voltage was reduced and electricity continued to travel through the distribution system, where transformers converted it into the voltage used by customers. At the customer’s site, electricity passed through the meter, which recorded usage as electricity was consumed. Energy flow was essentially one way. With distributed generation, a generator installed “behind the meter” provides power. If there is an outage, or when power prices peak, users can “go off grid” and use a private generator to produce power. With access to distributed generation resources within a smart grid, utilities can configure existing systems to meet peak power needs and diversify the range of energy resources to increase the reliability of energy flow. On a smart grid with distributed generation, energy can be generated close to the point of use. Those who produce this power have the option to “resell” it to the utility, and this exchange represents a new way to generate and distribute energy and a new kind of relationship between utilities and customers. Hybrid Systems Combine Renewable and Traditional Energy Sources Solar, wind, and thermal energy are renewable sources that can generate energy “close to point of use.” Unlike major power stations, technology for generating energy from renewable resources
- 2. can be installed in small increments, and it has extremely low ongoing costs. Though renewable energy resources are less predictable than the power generated by traditional means, hybrid systems can utilize both renewable and traditional power. With access to distributed generation resources within a smart grid, utilities can configure existing systems to meet peak power needs and diversify the range of energy resources to increase the reliability of energy flow. For customers, distributed generation supports reduced energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels as well as increased use of renewable resources. Within the smart grid, integrated into the smart home and monitored by smart metering, distributed generation is a new model for energy distribution and use. For the first time, energy flows to users as well as away from users, enabling utilities and their customers to work together to ensure that power is high quality, reliable, green, and low-cost. www.capgemini.com/smartenergy Why is Capgemini’s Smart Energy Services Unique? Capgemini’s Smart Energy Services are real, in the market now, and already making a difference for utilities around the world. We support utilities and their customers by delivering sustainable energy efficiency and environmental solutions—transforming utility operations and customer fulfillment. Our commitment is strong with more than 7,000 professionals dedicated to the utility sector. Capgemini’s Smart Energy Services: n Has extensive utilities industry experience with an unequaled track record for successful innovation and delivery. We offer our clients lessons learned and a growing knowledge base n Leads the industry in the delivery of smart energy solutions in mass deployment and production n Offers a unique, turn-key solution called Managed Business Services, which has a usage-based pricing model n Offers strategic relationships and delivery experience from an ecosystem of long-standing global technology partners For more information about Smart Energy Services, please visit www.capgemini.com/smartenergy. Copyright © 2010 Capgemini. All rights reserved. 019_EUC_DSTGNFLR_030110 Capgemini, one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, enables its clients to transform and perform through technologies. Capgemini provides its clients with insights and capabilities that boost their freedom to achieve superior results through a unique way of working, the Collaborative Business ExperienceTM . The Group relies on its global delivery model called Rightshore® , which aims to get the right balance of the best talent from multiple locations, working as one team to create and deliver the optimum solution for clients. Present in more than 30 countries, Capgemini reported 2009 global revenues of EUR 8.4 billion (approximately USD $11.6 billion) and employs 90,000 people worldwide. More information is available at www.capgemini.com/smartenergy About Capgemini and the Collaborative Business Experience ®® For more information contact: Gord Reynolds Utility Practice Leader Global Smart Energy Services gord.reynolds@capgemini.com +1-416-732-2200