Microgrid Knowledge has opened nominations for its 2021 Microgrid Greater Good Awards, presented annually to highlight how microgrids serve society.
The deadline for submission is now April 1, 2021.
“We seek submissions that offer a strong narrative demonstrating how microgrids improve the human condition,” said Elisa Wood, editor-in-chief of Microgrid Knowledge. “Previous winners have helped bring commerce to far-flung Himalayan villages, electrified refugee camps, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, lowered energy costs, opened up educational opportunities in remote areas, improved medication storage and enhanced safety for seniors in metropolitan areas.”
Anyone may nominate a microgrid, whether they are affiliated with the project or not, by filling out the form here. Only operating microgrids are eligible.
A panel of independent judges will choose the winners, which will be announced June 1 at Microgrid 2021. The winners will be invited to present their microgrids at the event.
Now in its third year, the Microgrid Knowledge Greater Good Award is granted in three categories: Highest Recognition, Grid-Connected Microgrid and Remote Microgrid.
Previous winners were: Midnimo Microgrid/SolarGen Technologies: Highest Recognition 2019; Blue Lake Rancheria/Siemens: Grid-Connected Microgrid 2019; Manipur/Cygni Energy: Remote Microgrid 2019; Batambis Microgrid/Global Himalayan Expedition: Highest Recognition 2020; Maycroft Apartments Microgrid, Jubilee Housing, SimpliPhi Power, New Partners, Amidus, Pepco and Clean Energy Group’s Resilient Power Project; Kigbe Solar Minigrid in Nigeria, a project of Havenhill Synergy, US African Development Foundation, Power Africa Initiative, Diamond Development Initiative, African Development Bank Mini-Grid HelpDesk and Inensus GmbH.
Winners must offer one or more of these microgrid benefits:
- Improve the quality of life for those in or near the service territory
- Provide access to electricity to community members during a power outage
- Provide power to remote or undeveloped areas
- Lower energy costs
- Bolster energy reliability
- Improve air quality
- Help attain carbon reduction
- Ensure the safety of seniors or other vulnerable populations
- Improve the ability to secure basic necessities (e.g., food, water, communications, medicines, transportation)
- Enhance a local economy
- Promote community or preserve the peace
- Preserve the natural environment
- Provide a lower cost alternative to more expensive infrastructure development
- Provide education about the value of local energy
- Instruct engineering students or other key stakeholders about microgrids
About Microgrid 2021
“Microgrid 2021: The World Awakens to Microgrids” follows Microgrid Knowledge’s two highly successful virtual conferences in 2020, which attracted more than 8,000 registrants. Microgrid 2021 is uniquely designed to help educate sustainability and facility managers, energy decision makers, business owners, community leaders and others curious about microgrids.
The event will be held May 11-June 3. For more details, see the Microgrid 2021 agenda.
Attendance at Microgrid 2021 is free for those who register in advance. Please note that space is limited for the live event. More than 10% of spots were taken during the first 24 hours that registration was open. We urge you to register now.
