1.1. Decentralized production

There is no clear official definition of decentralized production. Generally, decentralized production is defined as the opposite of centralized production [CRA 08, JEN 00]. To simplify, let us say at first that decentralized units:

– are not planned in a centralized way;

– are not controlled (or dispatched) in a centralized manner;

– have a power, which does not exceed 50 to 100 MW;

– are generally connected to the distribution network and not to the transportation network.

Another characteristic of decentralized production is that it is scattered over a territory, in contrast to conventional production, which is concentrated on a limited number of well-defined sites.

The development of decentralized production over the last few years has been especially favored by the opening of the electricity markets (which has spread in Europe from the beginning of the 2000s) and the development of renewable energies, especially wind energy, driven by a real commitment to the environment on a European scale. Decentralized production is thus developing in many countries on the basis of cogeneration units, renewable energy systems or conventional productions, which have been installed by independent producers.

The development of this type of production can contribute to solving technical, economic and environmental problems [CRA 08, JEN 00], even if it is not the only answer to these multiple challenges.

Let us make a list of elements favoring decentralized production: ...

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