The Future of Electricity Supply

Opponents of renewable electricity generation - and especially wind farms - state that all capacity must be matched by a power plant whose output is human-controlled (ie, nuclear, fossil fuel). The reality is that renewable generation - if sufficiently decentralised - is extremely reliable and that widespread loss of generation (eg, a country-wide anti-cyclone which kills wind speeds) is very rare.

For times when generation from renewables does falter, we do not need to have massive backup power stations. The solution is much simpler, and can come from inside our own homes. Your old gas boiler can be replaced with a micro CHP (Central Heat and Power) boiler, which is capable of generating electricity as well as heating your home and water.

Now look at another new technology: smart metering. This is where you can be charged a variable rate through the day for consuming electricity, and you can also be paid varying rates for generating electricity.

Combining CHP with smart metering technology, your gas boiler can automatically start generating electricity when the production unit price exceeds a minimum level (caused, for example, by a supply problem).

Since millions of homes can be fitted with such an exporting CHP system, the backup supply is also highly decentralised, reducing transmission losses and reducing the risk of single points of failure.

In conclusion, the keywords for of our future electricity supply are diversify and decentralise. We decentralise and diversify our primary supply, and we decentralise and diversify our backup supply. The days are numbered for the traditional system employing a handful of monster power plants. Almost every householder in the country will have the opportunity to be a part of the supply solution.

For a detailed analysis of Micro CHP as a technology, see this IET Magazine reference: Combined heat and power boilers boost carbon savings for the home