Consider the following:

1. Battery storage
2. Biomass generators
3. Fuel cells
4. Rooftop solar photovoltaic units

How many of the above are considered “Distributed Energy Resources”?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Explanation

All are correct

• Distributed energy resources (DERs) are small-scale and decentralised energy resources where electricity is generated from sources, often renewable energy sources, near the point of use instead of centralised generation sources from power plants.
• Examples of distributed energy resources that can be installed include:
  • rooftop solar photovoltaic units
  • wind generating units
  • battery storage
  • batteries in electric vehicles used to export power back to the grid
  • combined heat and power units, or tri-generation units that also utilise waste heat to provide cooling
  • biomass generators, which are fuelled with waste gas or industrial and agricultural by-products.
  • open and closed cycle gas turbines
  • reciprocating engines (diesel, oil)
  • hydro and mini-hydro schemes
  • fuel cells.

Answer: (d) All four: Difficulty Level: Easy