- Title
- Decentralizing power generation to limit national distribution networks and cleaner production strategies for essential distribution infrastructure
- Creator
- Howgrave-Graham, Alan; Panther, Barbara
- Date
- 2011
- Type
- Text; Book chapter
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/72030
- Identifier
- vital:6851
- Identifier
- ISBN:978-1-61761-509-2
- Abstract
- Energy is only really valuable at its point of use and it therefore makes sense that the closer the point of generation is to the point of consumption, the less infrastructure is required for its distribution. This is less of a problem in largely populated areas where economies of scale make infrastructure installation more viable, or where distribution lines are only required to be relatively short due to settlements being close to each other. However, vast unpopulated countries such as Australia or even sparsely populated tracts of land such as in the world‘s deserts require a less capital and resource intensive solution to ensure the populations‘ access to power. All installations require energy, whether it be for digging holes in which to plant power poles, the production of concrete or the smelting of steel; and the less power that is used to make infrastructure to generate or distribute power, the cleaner the energy. It follows that the longer the infrastructure is made to last, the less energy is required for its maintenance and replacement. In some areas small-scale renewable energy production may be the best solution eliminating the need for large scale distribution systems. This chapter investigates, using Australia as the main example, how energy can be made cleaner by using different available renewable generation sources and materials and making those that are currently used last longer for cheaper and more energy efficient power distribution. The cost (and therefore environmental) benefits of using current distribution systems will be compared to those of small-scale renewable alternatives driven by recyclable or reusable materials and wastes. Barriers to implementation of such systems will be discussed with special reference to Australia. In essence, this chapter will discuss the choices that can be made for energy distribution and small-scale energy generation depending.
- Publisher
- Nova Science
- Relation
- Clean energy: Resources, Production and Development p.
- Rights
- Open Access
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Full Text
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