North America currently has more than 20 GW of installed utility-scale PV generation, with more than 14 GW brought online in 2016 – the largest amount of PV installed to date. But is the majority of this base realizing its full potential? Solar plus storage systems offer a way for owners and operators to expand production hours, increase energy … [Read more...]
Microgrid, mini-grid, picogrid… All this tiny terminology can add up to some big confusion. Even the industry itself defines microgrids in different ways. Microgrids, mini-grids and picogrids have some things in common: they are all locally generated, locally distributed sources of clean energy. Is it all just a matter of to-MAY-to, … [Read more...]
A new private microgrid testing facility in Colorado will offer a pay, plug and play alternative to government labs that it hopes will attract innovators worldwide. Managed by MRIGlobal, GridNXT is slated to open in the first quarter of 2017 on 1,900 acres near Denver. The microgrid facility evolved out of what began as SolarTAC, which … [Read more...]
Many microgrid technical challenges are the standard issues that come up in any complex electric power system project, while others are unique. As you plan your microgrid project, be sure to consider technical challenges such as: Voltage and frequency stability. Correct microgrid design requires resources and the microgrid control … [Read more...]
What’s the best way to avoid performance issues – and associated expenses – during a microgrid system installation? Uncover and correct them ahead of time. A North American oil refinery microgrid did just that by investing in thorough Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) testing of its power management system. The oil refinery had installed new … [Read more...]
What Total's energy storage play means for supermajors French oil company Total is the first oil “supermajor” entering new areas of business including solar plus storage and distributed energy generation, Lux Research says, and the other global oil supermajors — BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell and Total — should follow … [Read more...]
Grid-connected microgrids are considered the future of a smarter electric grid. So as large-scale battery technology and economies of scale continue to improve, many utilities are investigating the use of battery technology as the basis for Grid Energy Storage Systems (GESS). AusNet Services, the largest energy delivery service in Victoria, … [Read more...]
A hydropower microgrid to avoid outages Following its second major outage in three years, the city of Idaho Falls is evaluating a hydroelectric microgrid plan with Idaho National Laboratory (INL). As reported by PostRegister.com, the microgrid would be powered by Idaho Falls' four hydroelectric plants on the Snake River, which can power as … [Read more...]
The business case for microgrids is improving by the day. Microgrids offer tremendous potential to enhance reliability, resilience, and long-term energy security. As microgrid technologies continue to advance and costs decline, business models and regulatory structures are beginning to shift in recognition of the potential benefits these systems … [Read more...]
Construction will begin in September on a hybrid microgrid in Coober Pedy, a remote town in the Australian outback where conditions are harsh. Two Senvion MM92 turbines will supply wind energy to the hybrid microgrid, which also will use solar and battery storage to help the community reduce its reliance on diesel fuel. The project has … [Read more...]
Anthony Colonesse, vice president of Ameresco’s Energy Security Group, describes the evolution of Ameresco’s microgrid business strategy — from energy efficiency to today’s battery storage advances.
This guide serves energy users, campuses and others who are contemplating microgrid installations – or already participate in a microgrid – and want to understand how policy can enhance microgrid capabilities. Download this guide for more information on fostering deeper discussion about microgrids.
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