Distributed generation

Even if centralized power generation goes on being the most important pillar in our energy supply, it may be sensible to supplement it with other forms of electricity and heat production. Current forecasts suggest that distributed power generation will gain in importance in coming decades. New technologies like the fuel cell or the Stirling engine, for example, could play a role here in future. In the low capacity range, operation can only be economic if the generated heat can either be minimized or utilized. Therefore, the application goal is often the use of combined heat and power (CHP). Deploying CHP and renewable resources allows optimum use of the fuels and, as a result, an environmentally friendly mode of operation.

RWE actively participates in these developments e.g. by performing field tests and operating demonstration plants at customers' premises. This gives us the know-how we need to take action in commercializing these technologies as they grow to maturity.