What is “Microgeneration”

Microgeneration, also called “micropower”, is the generation of zero or low-carbon electrical power by individuals, small businesses and communities to meet their own needs. The most widely-used microgeneration technologies include small wind turbines and solar power photovoltaic systems that have been promoted for decades as alternative sources of renewable energy. What is new, however, is the potential for micropower to move out of the alternative scene and be taken up on a wider, societal level, thus making a noticeable impact on energy policy. Because of technological advances, microgeneration now includes handheld solar and wind-power recharging devices for personal electronics, as well as advanced photovoltaic and wind-turbine products to power homes and factories.

Traditional “megapower” production of electricity is inefficient because traditional power stations are located far from the point-of-use. And the impact of such energy generation on global warming and other environmental factors has created a global movement towards reducing carbon emissions by getting “off the grid”.

The wider benefits of microgeneration are now being recognized. A recent study by the UK’s Sustainable Consumption Roundtable shows that microgeneration actually acts as a catalyst for cultural changes in consumer attitude, and provides evidence of the important impact that microgeneration has on consumers’ attitudes and behaviors regarding energy production and use. Microgeneration is both a serious form of clean energy production and also a cultural movement that is gathering momentum worldwide.