WADE, the World Alliance for Decentralized Energy, was established in 1997. WADE is a non-profit research and promotion organisation working to accelerate the worldwide deployment of economically efficient decentralized energy (DE) systems.

The greater use of DE brings with it a wide range of economic, environmental and social benefits. WADE is supported by corporate leaders in various decentralized energy industries, national cogeneration and decentralized energy associations and a range of private and public institutions.

WADE defines DE as electricity production at or near the point of use, irrespective of size, technology or fuel used - both off-grid and on-grid. It includes:

1. High efficiency cogeneration of heat / power / cooling - from large industrial scale plants to micro residential systems.

2. On-site renewable energy - including PV, biomass and on-site wind generation.

3. Energy recycling systems, powered by waste gases, waste heat and pressure drops to generate electricity and / or useful thermal energy on-site.

WADE’s five key objectives and programmes

1. To provide its Members and supporters with value added market intelligence, information and business opportunities;

2. To bring about effective power sector reform which eliminates barriers to DE and creates real market opportunity for DE;

3. To co-ordinate the creation and monetisation of high quality carbon credits from DE projects;

4. To compile global data on all aspects of DE development;

5. To support the establishment of DE groups in every country.