One of the primary benefits of a smart grid is its potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

FORBES: The Truth About Risks, Benefits of the Smart Grid

In reality, what they wanted to replace was not the grid, but rather the primary energy source.

FORBES: The Good Grid and why bragging about being "off the grid" is silly

By contrast, generators designed to provide primary power can run with or without the grid.

FORBES: Backup Generators Are the Bad and Ugly of Decentralized Energy

Most primary schools are not connected to the electric grid.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES

Whether for everyday use as a primary power source, for use during periods of peak grid demand, or for backup use during emergencies, fuel cells offer an attractive, efficient and eco-friendly solution.

FORBES: Grid Problems Boost Fuel Cell Market

In July, Denmark announced plans to deploy the world's most extensive smart-grid infrastructure, which could make distributed energy the country's primary source of electricity before long.

FORBES: The Answer To The Energy Problem

Sustainable forms of energy can also play a key role in income generation - a primary path out of poverty for the millions who do not have access to reliable grid-distributed electricity.

BBC: Powering our way out of poverty