The subject of the research project was an analysis of the situation and prospects of decentralised power generation technologies in the liberalised EU energy markets. This includes in particular the use of renewable energy sources and decentralised combined heat and power (CHP). Both renewable energy sources and CHP are of great importance in fulfilling the EU's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol.

The aim of the project was to identify EU-wide success factors and obstacles for decentralised electricity generation under liberalised framework conditions and to develop policy recommendations for the EU Commission. These are primarily embedded in the policy areas of liberalisation of the energy markets, promotion of renewable energy sources, promotion of CHP and security of supply.

The central methodological approach of DECENT was the evaluation of existing, planned or failed decentralised power generation projects, covering the various technologies/energy sources examined and the different electricity market and funding conditions within the EU. In addition, literature studies, expert interviews and - to embed the policy recommendations in various scenarios - a future study were carried out.

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