What is a Microgrid?
Welcome to About Microgrids, a new section of Microgrid Knowledge that defines terms and concepts to help readers understand the growing usefulness and popularity of this form of distributed energy.
What are Non-Wires Alternatives?
Non-wires alternatives are increasingly used by utilities to avoid or delay construction of more costly ‘wires and poles’ infrastructure. But what exactly are they? Read on as we define non-wires alternatives and illustrate real world examples.
Here Comes the World’s Biggest Virtual Power Plant — And it’s Behind the Meter
Japan is taking a leap ahead of the rest of the world, with the help of California company Autogrid, in developing what’s described as the largest behind-the-meter virtual power plant.
Solar Housing Linked to Bronzeville Microgrid Provides Social Justice, Technology Research
Chicago’s Bronzeville microgrid project is demonstrating the social justice benefits of decentralized energy with the completion this month of solar installations on 660 residential units in the Dearborn Homes Community.
Scrutiny Begins of New Energy Resource Plan Issued by Puerto Rico’s Utility
PREPA’s revised integrated resource plan (IRP) gets mixed reviews in the latest move to redesign the island’s grid to avoid a repeat of the massive power outages brought by Hurricane Maria.
Industry Perspectives
Leveraging Federal Microgrids to Provide Community-Scale Resiliency Benefits
The federal government has been at the forefront of distributed energy for the last decade, supported by executive orders and Department of Defense (DoD) policies promoting renewables such as solar PV, cogeneration and other distributed energy technologies. Ameresco’s Nicole Bulgarino explores the benefits of federal microgrids, and how they have the potential to enhance resiliency for the broader communities surrounding federal facilities.
About Microgrids
Here you’ll find microgrid 101 information. We define terms and explain concepts to help readers understand the growing usefulness and popularity of this form of distributed energy. We welcome you to send these article links to others who may want to learn more about microgrids.
Choosing the Type of Microgrid that is Right for Your Operation
So you’ve decided that your operation needs a microgrid. But what type of microgrid? Here's a guide to your choices in the latest installment of the Microgrid Knowledge "About Microgrids" series.
What is a Virtual Power Plant?
Virtual power plants turn on its head the traditional idea of relying on big, centralized power plants for predictable power. But what are they exactly? And who uses them and why?
