Overview

There are 1.6 billion people in the world today that do not have access to electricity. The factors contributing to this reality are numerous, but many people are looking to distributed generation to provide energy to those who need it most. Join members of the MIT Energy Club to discuss the latest arguments for distributed versus centralized electricity generation in the developing world. 

Please prepare for the discussion by reading the articles posted below.   

A light dinner will be served.  

Key Questions

What is distributed generation?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of distributed versus centralized electricity generation?  

What are the policies that might favor one or the other? What are the implications of decisions on planning, policy, and regulation on access to electricity in the developing world?

Preparatory Readings

Why the Power Buildout will Mirror Cell Phones in Developing Countries by K. Fehrenbacher (2010)

Distributed Generation: a Definition by T.Ackermann, G.Andersson, and L.Soeder (2001)

Distributed Generation in Developing Countries by E.M.Petrie, H.L.Willis andM.Takahashi (2002)

Energy Discussions: Electrifying the Developing World

06:00-07:00PM Thursday, May 13, 2010
Leader: Rhonda Jordan
Location: 26-204