Energy: The Master Resource by Robert L. Bradley Jr.: MICROTURBINES

Microturbines are small combustion turbines about the size of a refrigerator. They can produce anywhere from 25 to 500 kilowatts—enough to power 25 to 500 homes. Although they are typically fueled by natural gas, the turbines can also run on diesel. The use of microturbines and other remote devices is known as distributed generation. Microturbines fill an important niche by providing power to areas far away from existing power grids.

Proponents of micropower argue that with today’s technology, distributed does not have to mean isolated. Distributed power sources can be tied into the local grid. When home or business owners do not need their generators’ total capacity, excess power can flow into the grid and be sold at a profit. Once enough distributed power supplies are tied to a grid, the need for central plants could actually disappear. Under such a scenario, utilities would not sell power, but instead would sell access to the grid just as internet providers now sell access to the world-wide web.  Energy: The Master Resource by Robert L. Bradley Jr

One day, every home in Germany could produce its own energy with the help of a small generator in the basement.  Independent green electricity provider Lichtblick wants to join forces with car-maker Volkswagen to produce so-called mini power plants. Consumers will be able to use them to generate electricity and warmth while saving energy and helping protect the environment.
Report by Claudia Laszczak