World Alliance for Decentralized Energy (WADE)
WADE works to accelerate the worldwide development of high efficiency cogeneration, onsite power and decentralized renewable energy systems that deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits. In an effort to raise the profile of cogeneration as a climate change mitigation strategy in the 1997 UNFCCC climate change negotiations the International Cogeneration Alliance was founded. In 2002 the group changed its name to WADE and broadened its scope to include all manner of DE technologies.
Company details
Find locations served, office locations
- Business Type:
- Professional association
- Industry Type:
- Renewable Energy
- Market Focus:
- Globally (various continents)
About Us
The wider use of DE is a key solution to bringing about the cost-effective modernization and development of the world’s electricity systems.Existing decentralized energy (DE) technologies can reduce delivered energy costs and decrease emissions of CO2 as well as other harmful pollutants. Inefficient central power systems currently represent the majority of the world's existing installed electricity capacity and generation but there is growing evidence that the DE's market share is growing rapidly. Research by WADE estimates that in 2005 DE accounted for about 10% of installed capacity compared to 7% in 2001. Perhaps even more significant, almost 25% of electricity generated by new capacity added in 2005 was generated by DE installations.
WADE’s five key objectives and programmes
- To provide its Members and supporters with value added market intelligence, information and business opportunities;
- To bring about effective power sector reform which eliminates barriers to DE and creates real market opportunity for DE;
- To co-ordinate the creation and monetisation of high quality carbon credits from DE projects;
- To compile global data on all aspects of DE development;
- To support the establishment of DE groups in every country.
Economic Benefits
The wider application of Decentralized Energy (DE) can dramatically cut the cost of energy. Reduced cost is arguably the most important benefit that DE offers. There are two levels on which this cost saving can be assessed – the individual consumer level and on the level of national/international economies as a whole.The former can be analysed on a case-by-case basis and will depend to a great degree on local market and regulatory conditions.
Cost Reduction through DE – Project Level
Examples of DE projects that save their owners money are too numerous to list here. Part of the reason is because there are few applications where DE cannot somehow be incorporated. Possibiliites range from large scale CHP plants at major oil refineries to small wind turbines in remote villages or homes.
A prime example for DE solutions at consumer level is the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which installed CCHP technology to power the area (a gasfired engine with a capacity of 4MW and the heat boiler producing 11 t/h of steam). Becoming operational in 2000, payback of installation costs was achieved in 2001.
Another replicable industry application can be found in the case of Tetra Pak which was looking for an environmentally friendly combined cooling and power solution. A 2.6 MWe generator was installed at Tetra Pak India Private Limited, Takwe, Pune. The solution utilises waste heat more effectively to improve power reliability and reduce operating costs. By investing into a CHP installation, Tetra Pak could double its energy efficiency levels at this particular plant.
Cost Reduction through DE – National Level
WADE has conducted a number of surveys and economic model applications to estimate possible savings from DE investment at a regional or national level. The results have so far demonstrated fairly consistenly that often substantial gains are possible for those regions that invest in DE. The results suggest that DE reduces capital investment costs for electricity, and lowers retail costs for consumers.
For example WADE analysis based on the WADE economic model concluded that the UK could save 15% of its delivered electricity costs relative to central generation (CG). Capital costs could be reduced by even more- 27% relative to CG. This assessment is based largely on an analysis of gas turbine based cogeneration in comparison to central plants using a variety of fuels. It also takes into account reduced fuel costs, transmission and distribution savings – as well as other cost items (operation & maintenance, installation costs) for which DE may be less competitive than central power. The main cost savings result from reduced T&D requirements as well as reduced need for central capacity in order to meet peak load. The analysis did not consider the hidden environmental and public health costs that can be reduced by using DE as opposed to many forms of CG.
Join WADE
WADE members become part of a global network of leaders in the field of decentralized energy and allows you and others from your organization to help establish WADE's agenda, message, policy positions and research priorities, and get involved in all areas of WADE's work. Join WADE and take advantage of the following opportunities and benefits:
- Board and Committee Membership: WADE members are eligible to serve on all committees, the Board of Directors, and for appointment to other industry positions as a WADE representative. WADE members can also nominate individuals to serve on the WADE Advisory Board.
- Market Intelligence: Members receive a host of information on markets, policies and developments tailored for those in the decentralized energy industry. This includes detailed market analyses and research reports, weekly updates, monthly updates and special alerts.
- Country Chapters: Members have the opportunity to participate in country specific WADE member groups and help create new member groups in emerging markets.
- Meetings and Conferences: WADE members receive reduced delegate fees and sponsorship rates, plus priority speaking opportunities, at WADE's international conferences and other events supported and endorsed by WADE.
- Communications and Outreach: WADE is the voice of the decentralized energy industry, representing the interests of the sector and promoting the many benefits of decentralized energy at a wide range of international events and forums. WADE also works to advance laws, regulations, programs and policies that are favourable to greater investment in and deployment of decentralized energy technologies and systems. WADE serves as an advocate for decentralized energy and provides input to elected officials, regulators and other stakeholders. WADE also provides comments and filings in legal proceedings where critical policies are stake.
- Public Relations: WADE works to educate stakeholders about the many benefits of decentralized energy using a wide range of communication media.
- Cogeneration and Onsite Power Production - the WADE Magazine: Subscription to the magazine plus the opportunity to provide editorial features and articles.
- A membership certificate suitable for framing.