
“In one way or another, power to the people is just beginning. Say hello to the democratization of energy.”
Ernst &Young, Renewable Energy Country attractiveness index, May 2013
The industrial revolution originated a centralized model of electricity generation and distribution. Worldwide 93% of all electricity is still supplied this way and every year billions of tons (in oil equivalent) of fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal are burned in large thermal power stations, transmitting the generated energy via the power grid to the consumers. It is a very inefficient system as it wastes two thirds of the primary energy input; as a result, the electricity and heat sector currently accounts for 41% of the worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. This is a large contributing factor to climate change, whose adverse effects are becoming more and more evident. In addition, 1.2 billion people around the world still are living in energy poverty, having no access to electricity at all.
Ernst &Young, Renewable Energy Country attractiveness index, May 2013
The industrial revolution originated a centralized model of electricity generation and distribution. Worldwide 93% of all electricity is still supplied this way and every year billions of tons (in oil equivalent) of fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal are burned in large thermal power stations, transmitting the generated energy via the power grid to the consumers. It is a very inefficient system as it wastes two thirds of the primary energy input; as a result, the electricity and heat sector currently accounts for 41% of the worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. This is a large contributing factor to climate change, whose adverse effects are becoming more and more evident. In addition, 1.2 billion people around the world still are living in energy poverty, having no access to electricity at all.