An analytical review of current trends in the field of engineering and technology of power plants is presented, leading to an increase in the requirements for the qualification of personnel performing design and operation of power plants, as well as managing their modes. It is shown that the change in the aggregate base and the system properties of generation in the medium term leads to the need for graduates of higher educational institutions to acquire new competencies along with traditional ones. The most problematic technical, and technical and economic aspects of design and operation of small-capacity power plants are considered, and a brief summary of a typical final qualifying work on the topic of distributed generation is provided. It is shown that the solution of educational problems is based on a systematic approach to the formation of a scientific direction, which serves as a basis for research and educational activities on the relevant topics. The experience of creation of the educational program «Electric stations» for the course 130402 «Electric power engineering and electrical engineering» is given with an emphasis on new technologies instead of engineering specialty 140204 «Electric stations» in conditions of transition to a two-level education system in Russia.