Distributed energy resources (DER) technologies are playing an increasingly important role in the nation's energy portfolio. They can be used to meet base load power, peaking power, backup power, remote power, power quality, as well as cooling and heating needs.
DER refers to a variety of small, modular power-generating technologies that can be combined with energy management and storage systems and used to improve the operation of the electricity delivery system, whether or not those technologies are connected to an electricity grid.
NREL's Distributed Energy and Electric Reliability Program supports EERE's Distributed Energy Program by:
- Conducting research into thermally activated technologies
- Developing EERE program communications and Web site
- Collaborating with the Association of State Energy Research and Technology Transfer Institutions (ASERTTI).
DER provides the consumer with greater reliability, adequate power quality, and the possibility to participate in competitive electric power markets. DER also has the potential to mitigate congestion in transmission lines, control price fluctuations, strengthen energy security, and provide greater stability to the electricity grid. The use of DER technologies can lead to lower emissions and, particularly in combined heat and power (CHP) applications, to improved efficiency.
Distributed energy encompasses a range of technologies including fuel cells, microturbines, reciprocating engines, wind turbines, load reduction and other energy management technologies.
The primary fuel for many distributed generation systems is natural gas, but hydrogen may well play an important role in the future. Renewable energy technologies — such as solar electricity, solar buildings, biomass power, and wind turbines — are also popular.
Learn more about NREL's distributed energy research and distributed thermal energy technologies.
NREL supports the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Distributed Energy Program.
Contact Dick DeBlasio with questions regarding NREL's distributed energy research.
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