In what way does distributed generation aid in energy independence?

Distributed generation contributes to energy independence primarily by harnessing local energy resources. This approach involves generating energy close to where it is consumed rather than relying on centralized power plants that often depend on distant fossil fuel sources. By utilizing local renewable resources, such as solar, wind, or biomass, communities can reduce their dependency on imported fuels and traditional energy markets. This helps to stabilize local economies, enhance energy security, and promotes sustainability by utilizing homegrown energy solutions.

The reliance on local resources means that communities can tailor their energy infrastructure to their specific needs and environmental conditions, making them less vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices and supply chain issues. By decentralizing energy production, distributed generation also helps to make local energy systems more resilient to outages or disruptions that may affect larger grids.