Diesel Generators: A Tried and True Technology Behind Microgrids

The Diesel Technology Forum explains why the US is developing microgrids and how diesel generators make them reliable.

Microgrids are gaining attention lately. From issues relating to electricity reliability to climate change resiliency, more communities, municipalities and even the Department of Defense have plans to install small electricity generating capabilities. These microgrids quite often incorporate renewable sources of energy, predominantly wind and solar, or both. Behind most of these microgrid systems is a vital yet often unnoticed technology – a diesel generator.

It should come as no surprise that power outages result in severe economic disruptions. Outages alone are estimated to cost anywhere from $104 billion and $164 billion according to the Electric Power Research Institute. Unfortunately, the number of blackouts has doubled over the last decade. Weather related events that knock out power are estimated to cost between $18 to $33 billion according to the Obama Administration. As severe weather events are predicted to increase, the number of outages related to these events and their economic costs are expected to rise.

Superstorm Sandy offers a recent example of the severe consequences of extended periods of electricity supply disruptions. In preparing for the next massive natural disaster, many experts call for the adoption of microgrids that are capable of generating electricity for a small community or neighborhood. Microgrids can be easily repaired in the event of a power outage while providing some excess power to other neighborhoods that may suffer from a power outage.