The use of combined heat and power (CHP) plants and renewable energy sources reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere and helps to alleviate the consequent climate change. The policies of many governments suggest that the proportion of electrical energy produced by these sources will increase dramatically over the next two decades. Unlike traditional generating units, these new types of power plant are usually 'embedded' in the distribution system or 'dispersed' around the network. As a result, conventional design and operating practices are no longer applicable; for example, power protection principles have to be revised and complex economic questions need to be resolved.

Energy for today's complex electrical power systems is increasingly being generated and distributed locally using small-scale, renewable energy sources. The addition of renewables to the grid requires new tools and operation methods, both for suppliers and industrial consumers. This book describes the supporting technologies that can turn conventional passive electricity delivery networks into the active networks of the future, with a focus on electricity utilization in the industrial environment. It examines the integration of the new, dispersed sources with the legacy systems of centralised generation, as well as how the new technologies can operate effectively in isolated systems. Industrial power distribution, lighting, motor control and protection are discussed in detail.