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Construction of small distributed generators close to consumers is one of important features of the power systems development in many countries. This paper describes the current status of distributed generation generation in the EU countries, the advantages and disadvantages of small generators as well as the problems of their connection to a distribution network. The most important factors stimulating the development of distributed generation in many European countries are the following: the growing contribution into electricity production balance of power plants using renewable energy sources which are originally decentralised; development of small (with capacity less than 50 MW) combined heat and power production (cogeneration) power plants; implementation of energy policy directed to promotion of renewable energy sources and cogeneration. The paper focuses on a comparative analysis of distributed generation in the EU countries and its role in the balance of electricity generation. An analysis of the legal and economic environment, as well as principles of regulation of distributed generation and barriers for its penetration is presented. The analysis is based on the methodology of the European research project SOLID-DER financed by the 6th Framework Programme; 17 research institutions, universities and companies are involved into the preparation of this project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast runout of fossil fuel recourses and continuous growth of wastes formed during anthropogenic activity press to search for the ways how to use combustible wastes for energy production and thus save fossil fuel recourses. Technologies to produce secondary solid fuel from sorted non-hazardous waste have been known for several decades. However, the production and trade of such fuel are limited because of doubts about the reliable establishment of fuel quality, negative impact on the environment and equipment. Therefore, it was necessary to prepare a package of technical specifications to regulate the production of such fuel, its properties and methods of determination. Information about the activities of the Technical Committee CEN/TC 343 Solid Recovered Fuels of the European Committee for Standardization is presented in the paper together with on technical and draft CEN technical specifications and their status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]