Virtual power plants and transactive energy. You've heard the terms, but what exactly do they mean? And why does a leading microgrid analyst see them changing the way the power industry does business? At the center of the changes are the rise of prosumers, who once purchased energy but now produce it, helping create new opportunities for grid … [Read more...]
A new network-as-a-service offering that touts the ability to use software to connect and manage legacy energy storage devices has hit the market. Blue Pillar launched its new Aurora Energy Network-as-a-Service (eNaaS) during this year's DistribuTECH Transmission and Distribution Conference in San Diego. What makes the launch particularly … [Read more...]
Modular microgrids are on their way in. In fact, they boast so many benefits they could liberate microgrids. And why exactly do microgrids need to be liberated? It's all spelled out in a Navigant Research whitepaper, "Liberating Microgrids (and All DER)," commissioned by Spirae, which markets a microgrid control platforms. The problem, … [Read more...]
Millennials are increasingly driving electric utilities and businesses to use more clean energy, according to a study from Deloitte. “Resources 2016 Study - Energy Management: Navigating the Headwinds," highlights the increasing influence of millennials aged 21-34, the largest and most dominant consumer group, as a dynamic force behind the shift … [Read more...]
It’s hard to conceive of the tension electric grid failure creates in a hospital emergency room. The seconds tick by slowly as the medical team wonders if the back-up generator will kick on. A new program in New York City addresses this problem by giving hospitals and other large energy users a 10-20 minute warning when it looks like the grid is … [Read more...]
Tim Kelley, director of renewable and storage solutions at Russelectric, highlights the benefits of turning a solar energy system into a microgrid.
A microgrid is a discrete energy system consisting of distributed energy sources (e.g. renewables, conventional, storage) and loads capable of operating in parallel with, or independently from, the main grid. The primary purpose is to ensure reliable, affordable energy security for commercial, industrial and federal government consumers. Benefits that extend to utilities and the community at large include lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and lower stress on the transmission and distribution system.
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