Decentralised Energy (DE) is emerging as one of a suite of effective solutions to global climate change. DE represents a range of electricity and / or heat generation systems located at or near the point of use. They can be based on renewable sources, or on high efficiency cogeneration (combined heat & power, CHP).
Delta’s deep understanding of DE technologies, markets and policy frameworks makes us ideally placed to provide insight on how to maximise the opportunities, and overcome the challenges, of the emerging DE sector.
Delta has expertise in the following range of technologies:
Mid- and Large Scale
CHP
CHP represents a series of technologies used for the simultaneous generation of useful heat and electricity in a single process, at or near the point of use. The heat is used locally for industrial processes, heating / cooling hot water in buildings and for district heating / cooling, while the electricity can be used on-site or exported to the electricity network. CHP systems cover a wide range of technologies – from domestic 1 kW Stirling Engines to industrial gas and steam turbines of hundreds of MW.
Energy Flows – CHP and Conventional Power Generation
Source: IEA, 2008.
Delta specialises in CHP market development and future trends. Our CHP team provides an independent and expert view on how the evolving economic and policy environment affects CHP markets and individual plant viability around the world. We provide tailor made consulting to CHP developers, equipment suppliers and investors and stakeholders, and our CHP Policy and Markets Service provides subscribers with deep ongoing analysis of 12 major global markets.
Micro & mini CHP
Micro and mini CHP includes CHP technologies of up to a few kW in capacity – usually for residential or small commercial scale applications. Delta’s ongoing micro-CHP subscription service offers market updates, analysis and outlook derived from our wide-ranging knowledge and extensive network of contacts throughout the industry.
Electricity Storage
Electricity storage technologies allow electricity to be stored when it is not needed and to be discharged when it is. This simple attribute can provide high value to utilities in many ways. Grids can be utilised more efficiently and upgrades can be deferred, intermittent renewable and distributed generation can be managed and controlled, reliable high quality power can be guaranteed and advanced ancillary services can be provided. Electricity storage is one of Delta’s core areas of expertise, based on extensive global relationships and in-depth research among the major industry players. Delta’s Electricity Storage Service tracks global markets in detail, while providing clear analysis and an insightful forward market outlook.
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics (PV) represent a high growth and diversified set of existing and emerging technologies with complex value chain. Market demand for this is highly policy-dependent. As a consequence, getting an informed and clear understanding of future trends in supply / demand balance, price margins, new incentives and the impact of new technology is a particular challenge.
Delta has a track record for delivering this understanding to clients, based on strong research and analysis.
Small wind turbines
Small wind turbine markets are growing at high speed. Turbines of capacities around 1 kW for buillding-mounted household applications were the first market to take off. Today, there is also a growing market for free-standing pole-mounted turbines in the 10s of kWs range, for rural residential, agricultural, commercial and small industrial applications. An emerging market is also building for turbines in the 100 kW range, typically for larger commercial / industrial applications. Delta’s knowledge base in this sector is, we believe, unrivalled; we have undertaken extensive research for energy companies to understand these markets, their drivers, and the key manufacturers and developers. In addition, Delta’s 2006 mini wind multi-client study delivered our verdict on the prospects for urban roof-mounted turbine markets.
Low and zero carbon heating and cooling
Solar thermal, heat pumps and biomass offer huge potential for growth in renewable heating – and in some cases cooling. Already firmly established in some countries, markets for these technologies will grow rapidly. Delta has a strong knowledge of these areas. For example, for one utility client we identified how and where these technologies will develop over time, and recommended opportunities to bring a leading technology to the client’s home market.
Microgrids
Microgrids optimise the operation of distributed energy resources on a local power grid, which is then able to operate independently from the main grid – and perhaps trade with it. Intelligent control of demand and energy storage enables the microgrid to manage significant numbers of distributed generators and an intermittent energy supply. Delta’s research team focuses on how microgrids are being developed and demonstrated around the world.
Demand response
Peaks in electricity demand are expensive to meet. Demand response typically refers to energy users curtailing their demand to reduce these peaks. While very small numbers of large users are sometimes incentivised to reduce their demand during peaks, there is potential for millions of customers to participate in demand response. There are many synergies with distributed generation (which can be dispatched to meet peaks), distributed electricity storage, and electric vehicles (with “vehicle to grid” capability a strongly emerging prospect for the future). Delta is expanding its coverage of this opportunity, with a growing body of knowledge and expertise.
Energy efficiency
Vast opportunities remain to reduce energy consumption through increasing the efficiency with which energy is used. Examples include lighting, building insulation and design, more efficient heating and cooling, and more efficient motors. Delta assists clients understand these opportunities through our deep sector research and expanding knowledge base.
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