As the systems we rely on for vital services—like telecommunications, banking, medical care, retail, and even infrastructure—are transformed by new technologies, they are simultaneously undergoing a common shift from centralized to decentralized operation. What was once a one-way flow from provider to customer has now become a two-way flow.
Where once we consumed mass media, now we can produce social media. Where we once had to go to a central location to manage money, now we can manage it wherever we can access the internet, customizing our banking experience like never before. Before, we went to central locations to shop for standardized goods, now we can have customized goods delivered to our homes. The rise of decentralized distributed energy systems is producing a similar dynamic for energy producers and consumers.
At GE Power, we've seen the expansion of distributed energy systems reflected in the shifting expectations of our customers. They are rightly demanding the ability to have control over their energy needs through more customization, flexibility, and convenience. And we are happy to help meet these demands in the form of physical products like modular and scalable aero derivative gas turbines, customized distributed energy solutions, new energy storage technologies, and services like micro grid and grid optimization solutions.
This move toward smaller, decentralized energy systems has recently accelerated because of improved economics and the rise of digital technologies. For some geographies and applications, it can be far less expensive to install and operate with on-site power generation and micro grids than it is to achieve and maintain access to centrally-generated power. More and more cities, regions, and industries find themselves operating with a mix of centrally-generated and distributed energy resources, which sometimes represent a mix of energy technologies as well, from solar and wind to gas and even nuclear. And in both developed and developing regions, decentralized distributed power generation and energy production provide a range of benefits, such as improved access, resiliency, and efficiency. From Thailand to the French Riviera, distributed energy systems can serve both high-density populations and remote areas.
GE has been a long-time advocate of the need for smaller, decentralized energy systems as a complement to large central generation assets and grid infrastructure. This is due, in part, to our long-term commitment to developing new and more efficient distributed energy technologies.
ONE-WAY
flows of information
have now become two-way
Everything is Illuminated
Not so long ago, large parts of India used to be dark in satellite pictures of Earth at night. But now they twinkle with hope, thanks to the work of people like Shailesh Mishra and his GE Grid Solutions team, which has powered up several remote areas of South Asia.
Shaken But Strong
The rescue effort in Sajang began as soon as the ground stopped moving. On Aug. 5, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the mountain village on the Indonesian island of Lombok, leaving behind chaos and rubble. GE is among the many organizations helping Lombok recover.
Lightning In A Bottle: This Container is Revolutionizing Energy Storage
Johanna Wellington is standing next to what looks like a shipping container. Her safety goggles are the only clues that this container isn’t quite what it seems.
Powering Behlopur: an emotional triumph
As recently as last fall, the village of Behlopur had no electricity. That changed last summer, when Jayesh Barve and a group of GE teams connected homes to a hybrid microgrid they’d designed.
Grounded jet engines are powering Indonesia
With a conventional plant out of question, GE Power deployed two “fast power” units in Lombok, Indonesia. A month later, these mobile gas turbines were producing more than 25 megawatts each.
Digital Plane Power in Angola
By supplying TM2500 gas turbine sets equipped withPredix software, GE is helping Angola realize the promise of theIndustrial Internet.
Thinking smaller with microgrids
In sub-Saharan Africa, 600 million people lack reliable access to electricity. GE Power and MIT researchers teamed to identify cost-effective ways to install distributed power.
Grids for the new world
As the world shifts towards using renewables, the systems that provide power will change. While decentralized systems will play a large role, hybrid generation methods will ensure the lights stay on.
Weathering the storm: grid resiliency
Natural disasters like hurricanes can leave regions in peril. Establishing grid resiliency measures can quell the damage. Check out how GE Grid Solutions is changing the way cities manage crises.
