Decentralizing power generation to limit national distribution networks and cleaner production strategies for essential distribution infrastructure

Energy is only really valuable at its point of use and it therefore makes sense that thecloser the point of generation is to the point of consumption, the less infrastructure isrequired for its distribution. This is less of a problem in largely populated areas whereeconomies of scale make infrastructure installation more viable, or where distributionlines are only required to be relatively short due to settlements being close to each other.However, vast unpopulated countries such as Australia or even sparsely populated tractsof land such as in the world's deserts require a less capital and resource intensive solutionto ensure the populations' access to power. All installations require energy, whether it befor digging holes in which to plant power poles, the production of concrete or thesmelting of steel; and the less power that is used to make infrastructure to generate ordistribute power, the cleaner the energy. It follows that the longer the infrastructure ismade to last, the less energy is required for its maintenance and replacement. In someareas small-scale renewable energy production may be the best solution eliminating theneed for large scale distribution systems. This chapter investigates, using Australia as themain example, how energy can be made cleaner by using different available renewablegeneration sources and materials and making those that are currently used last longer forcheaper and more energy efficient power distribution. The cost (and thereforeenvironmental) benefits of using current distribution systems will be compared to thoseof small-scale renewable alternatives driven by recyclable or reusable materials andwastes. Barriers to implementation of such systems will be discussed with specialreference to Australia. In essence, this chapter will discuss the choices that can be madefor energy distribution and small-scale energy generation depending upon which ischeaper, cleaner, and more efficient and suggest ways of implementing these to makebest use of the prevailing circumstances and environment. © 2011 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.