Chapter 01 · Climate & transitionEnergy & Transition
Distributed Energy Resources
Definition
Distributed energy resources are small, modular energy generation and storage technologies, and increasingly controllable loads, located close to where electricity is used and connected to the lower-voltage distribution grid rather than the transmission system. Examples include rooftop and community solar, battery storage, electric vehicles, combined heat and power, small wind, and smart thermostats and appliances. Aggregated DERs can provide grid services, resilience and flexibility at scale.
References
definition and examples
system role and policy lessons
Overview
What it means
The grid edge becoming a resource: consumers double as producers and flexibility providers, upending the one-way power system.
How it is used
The term frames utility planning, interconnection standards, virtual power plants, net-metering policy and IEA analysis of power-system transformation.
Why it matters
DERs are central to decarbonising power while keeping it reliable and affordable — and they redefine who participates in the energy system.