Microgeneration Outlook - Design for Micro-Combined Cooling, Heating and Power Systems - page 1

Microgeneration Outlook

George Vlad Badea

Abstract This introductory chapter will blend both legal and technical aspects of
microgeneration systems in order to acquaint the readers with the concept and roles
of microgeneration systems, the perception of the European Union and the ways of
promotion and development through policies and legal instruments. These notions
are fundamental for readers and practitioners in the

field of microgeneration sys-
tems since a variety of factors work in close connection and have a profound
in

uence on the development of microgeneration systems. This chapter will make
short explanatory remarks about the evolution (1) of the European Union and the
energy sector in Europe in the transition to decentralised energy production and
extensive use of microgeneration systems. Afterwards, the challenges (2) con-
fronting the European energy sector are presented in order to understand the way
problems are tackled by the European Union through policies (3) and legal
instruments (4) to comprehend the use, promotion and trend for development of
microgeneration systems (5).

1 Evolution

The past decades have witnessed important changes both in political and techno-
logical senses. Europe has evolved, people have evolved and brought along tech-
nological progress. Nonetheless, equally important challenges have arisen and
Europe has to adapt to the new realities and find solutions in a reliable and sus-

tainable way. In the energy sector, the reality is that the

“ existing energy systems

need to be modernised [ 1 ] in order to adapt to the economic, social and envi-

ronmental contexts as Europe is struggling with

”

unprecedented challenges
resulting from increased dependence on energy imports and scarce energy resour-
ces, and the need to limit climate change and to overcome the economic crisis

“

” [ 2 ].