While I like distributed generation overall, Manhattan isn't really the place for it. Most of the argument for DG is in places where the grid is overtaxed and everything is fairly spread out. Solar on rooftops in low density commercial is awesome, and smaller generation (especially cogeneration) makes sense in some areas, but big efficient generating stations still make a lot of sense for super high density areas like Lower Manhattan. I mean, if you can't even pay for more real estate for just switchgear, you're not going to be able to pay for more real estate for generating stations.
It would be a lot easier to harden the grid, add strategic backup sources at hospitals (done) datacenters (done) cell sites (somewhat done) and gas stations (wtf why is this not done?), than to figure out how to get some magical fuel to all the buildings, run their generators pollution-free, and then evacuate the waste products. You don't run hospital backup diesels 24x7 for environmental reasons (microsoft does this at their Mountain View office, due to "electrical work on the main incoming gear", which turns them into a top stationary air pollution in the state and makes people want to kill them...). There's really no other option, other than maybe natural gas turbines, and then you're still dependent on natural gas, and you've got pollution sources around the city. Sun-exposed surface area of a skyscraper doesn't allow enough solar to be meaningful (the sides are indirect and thus a lot lower efficiency).
(I'm trying not to be overly critical, but this seems like someone who has been affected by a power outage, has heard of distributed generation, and is trying to tie the two together. Sort of like "let them eat cake.")
It would be a lot easier to harden the grid, add strategic backup sources at hospitals (done) datacenters (done) cell sites (somewhat done) and gas stations (wtf why is this not done?), than to figure out how to get some magical fuel to all the buildings, run their generators pollution-free, and then evacuate the waste products. You don't run hospital backup diesels 24x7 for environmental reasons (microsoft does this at their Mountain View office, due to "electrical work on the main incoming gear", which turns them into a top stationary air pollution in the state and makes people want to kill them...). There's really no other option, other than maybe natural gas turbines, and then you're still dependent on natural gas, and you've got pollution sources around the city. Sun-exposed surface area of a skyscraper doesn't allow enough solar to be meaningful (the sides are indirect and thus a lot lower efficiency).
(I'm trying not to be overly critical, but this seems like someone who has been affected by a power outage, has heard of distributed generation, and is trying to tie the two together. Sort of like "let them eat cake.")