From freak weather to hurricane seasons, blizzards to storms, being able to access consistent power throughout any number of disasters is essential for the general public’s well-being. While centralized energy has long been the norm for households across the US, the concept of decentralized energy is one that’s rapidly growing in popularity.
When it comes to power design, is decentralized the new normal, or is centralized energy still going to be at the forefront of future power innovations? We take a look at the key differences between these two methods and are more likely to take the majority in the future.
What’s the difference between centralized and decentralized energy?
When we think of energy systems, getting electricity from power plants to people’s homes across the US, we tend to think of centralized energy as the only available method. In centralized energy, the power plant is at the center of the process, with services radiating outwards through power lines and cables to provide energy to businesses and properties.
While this particular model has served America for decades, it isn’t without its faults. That’s where decentralized energy comes in. By providing power from numerous sources across the board, you aren’t stuck if a single power line goes down or a power plant fails. Instead, you’re relying on the many instead of the few, providing a real failsafe that the average big power plant can’t achieve.
Which energy process is the best fit for US households?
With the introduction of solar panels and renewable energy to homes across the US, it’s more realistic than ever before for decentralized energy to become the standard. With many homes generating enough power for their homes plus extra, it only makes sense that a wider grid based on this system can provide power to many through a collective system. Less chance of catastrophic outages and less reliance on one source of power overall.
Centralized vs decentralized: which is better?
So, when you compare centralized vs. decentralized energy, which is better? While it’s difficult to say one is ultimately the victor over the other, there are some key points to consider. As a well-established system, centralized power is considered reliable, consistent, and in many cases, easier to get on with. That makes it more practical for the average home to stick to the status quo and receive power from companies they know and trust.
By contrast, decentralized energy is not yet a widespread option across America. As a relative unknown, there’s less trust in what energy companies can offer. While communities already using renewable energy can benefit, there isn’t the same level of generation capabilities in other parts of the country – making decentralization slightly less practical in some cases.
Which energy method will come out on top in the future?
Centralized power may have been the top dog for a long time, but decentralized energy is quickly creeping up to take at least part of the pie. With more households than ever seeing the benefits of decentralized energy, especially with renewables on their own homes, support for this newer energy model is only likely to grow.