The future of distributed generation - What are the regulatory, commercial and technological barriers to implementing DG?

Distributed generation is a fast-growing feature of modern electricity systems. It is transforming the traditional centralised grid model and, in parts of the world without developed grid systems, it offers leapfrog opportunities to increase access to electricity. But the complexities – technological, regulatory, commercial and financial – of integrating renewables and distributed generation into the grid are immense. They carry wide sector impact and require fresh thinking about company business models and the role of grids. "It’s a ‘burning platform’ issue for utilities globally," observed Norbert Schwieters, PwC’s Global Power & Utilities Leader as he welcomed participants to the roundtable event.