Eversource plans to develop an energy storage microgrid in New Hampshire that takes the local energy concept to a new level by pairing the microgrid with a bring-your-own-device program. The project also offers an example of a path for utilities to develop microgrids when state rules allow utility ownership of energy storage. Charlotte … [Read more...]
This is the first in a series of articles focusing on ideas that emerged from Microgrid 2019, held in San Diego May 14-16. Here we look at "The Great Debate: What’s the Utility Role in Microgrids?" Until recently, the power industry focused almost solely on generating and delivering electricity through a centralized system. But changing times and … [Read more...]
Thermal storage is gaining ground in refrigeration applications, providing demand management for one of utilities’ most energy-intensive industries. Industrial refrigeration consumes more energy per cubic foot than any other utility load, said Collin Coker, vice president, sales and marketing, Viking Cold Solutions. Thermal energy storage … [Read more...]
Eversource is proposing a 14.7-MW battery energy storage project on Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., that is designed to reduce the use of diesel generators on the island, provide voltage support, and defer construction of additional undersea cables to the island. “This battery storage system will help Martha’s Vineyard meet its energy goals and … [Read more...]
States increasingly employ non-wires alternatives to tease out where distributed energy offers a better deal than traditional utility infrastructure – wires, poles, substations. But in Connecticut the idea is running into controversy. Utilities in the state say it’s too soon to press ahead with non-wires alternatives, while the state … [Read more...]
Massachusetts is coming up short in its five-year grid modernization effort, according to several stakeholder groups who recently filed comments on utility plans being reviewed by state regulators. At issue is the lack of innovation and vision by Massachusetts utilities, which some critics say will impede the state’s ability to accommodate … [Read more...]
Mother Nature keeps hammering home where we need microgrids. Last week it happened again. More than 1.7 million electric customers lost power February 23-24 when a major storm swept the Eastern U.S. and Canada, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Assurance Daily. The storm was an example of the all-to-common pounding of wind, … [Read more...]
Microgrids are typically considered a key element of today's grid modernization. But not so much in recent Massachusetts utility plans. Microgrids are relatively scant -- largely pilot or R&D proposals -- in recent grid modernization plans that Massachusetts utilities filed with the state. The proposals are signficant because they … [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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