Concord Engineering Group's Joe Sullivan walks readers through the evolving landscape that is bringing about energy independence. This shift involves a reshaping of our approach to producing and delivering electric power and answers the question: Why microgrids? Fifteen years ago no one would have foreseen that the United Sates lead by … [Read more...]
In this week's Industry Perspectives, James Redden, vice president of energy asset development at Ameresco, sets out three key factors — beyond financial returns — motivating C-suite executives to invest in microgrids. Microgrid economics continue to get better. Costs are declining and system performance improving to the point where microgrids … [Read more...]
In this video interview from Microgrid 2017 in Boston, Tim Peer, vice president, district energy, at BOND Brothers, explains to Kevin Normandeau, Microgrid Knowledge publisher, how microgrids, distributed energy and combined heat and power (CHP) can lead to lower operating costs and increased resiliency. BOND Brothers, a northeast-based … [Read more...]
This Special Report from Microgrid Knowledge paints a picture of the emerging microgrid-driven world. It also explains topics like district energy and combined heat and power (CHP). You'll learn how a CHP microgrid improves the economics and energy efficiency of a microgrid. Local energy promises lower costs, more reliable electric supply, storm … [Read more...]
In picking and choosing clean energy technology favorites, the U.S. Congress appears to be neglecting some important ones, among them fuel cells, combined heat and power (CHP) and small wind. The Pew Charitable Trusts sees these technologies heading for neglect as solar and large-scale wind prosper, since Congress extended their federal tax … [Read more...]
ABB's Bob Fesmire describes a coming renaissance in combined heat and power microgrids -- one that utilities may find it's better to join than oppose. Most microgrids operating today—the commercial variety at least—began life under a different name, 'combined heat and power' or CHP. This was for the simple reason that a generator, typically a … [Read more...]
Princeton University’s Ted Borer offers historical perspective on lighting -- going back to before Thomas Edison -- and explains why CHP microgrids offer so much value to today's electric grid. Electricity is a high grade form of energy. It is clean to use, high energy-density, quiet, and has a vast array of applications. There is a … [Read more...]
We'll be the first to admit that there is a lot of cheerleading surrounding microgrids and local energy right now. Is it all just clapping and banner waving? Or are microgrids a technology with staying power? Navigant Research, which closely tracks microgrids, has recently published data that looks very encouraging for the microgrid … [Read more...]
IDEA2015, the International District Energy Association’s 106th annual conference and trade show, will bring global energy leaders to Boston in June to discuss the growing use by cities of microgrids, district energy and combined heat and power. The international forum, to be held June 28-July 1, will explore best practices developing, owning … [Read more...]
In Ithaca, NY, Herbert Dwyer, president and CEO, ASI Energy, is developing the state's first "nodal microgrid," which is being built in phases. The project combines CHP with solar to provide heat and electricity. In this podcast, Dwyer explains the reasoning behind the "nodal" concept and its benefits. … [Read more...]
Diesel generation is effective, but it’s not the best option available to pair with wind and solar. That’s where natural gas comes in. When designing a microgrid, don’t forget to look to natural gas as a feasible option to lower generation costs and provide greater resiliency to the system.
In the early 20th century, the centralization of electricity production made huge process, enabling significant economies of scale and improved power plant efficiency. Today, decentralization could help tackle the energy challenges of the 21st century by creating an optimized way to access reliable, green and resilient energy. Download the white paper from Schneider Electric that explores decentralization and the role of microgrids.
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