Which environmental benefit is associated with distributed generation?

Lower greenhouse gas emissions are a significant environmental benefit associated with distributed generation. This form of energy generation often utilizes renewable sources such as solar or wind, which produce little to no greenhouse gases during operation. By generating electricity closer to where it is actually consumed, distributed generation can also reduce transmission losses, which further mitigates the overall carbon footprint.

In contrast, increased land use for energy generation can pose environmental challenges, as it may lead to habitat destruction or alter land use patterns. Enhanced efficiency in fossil fuel extraction does not directly relate to distributed generation, as this concept primarily involves renewable resources that minimize reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, greater dependence on large-scale energy plants runs counter to the distributed generation model, which emphasizes localized production and utilization of energy resources rather than concentrating power generation in a few central facilities.