This is second article in a series that looks at how healthcare microgrids open the door to more reliable, clean, lower cost energy in hospitals, and more resilient communities. Society has grown increasingly aware of the electric grid’s vulnerabilities. And with that awareness has come investigation into technologies that can protect our … [Read more...]
What are Healthcare Microgrids and How Can They Make Your Community More Resilient?
June 29, 2017 By
Healthcare Microgrids: A Guide to More Reliable, Clean, Lower-Cost Energy for Hospitals
June 23, 2017 By
This is first article in a series that looks at how healthcare microgrids open the door to more reliable, clean, lower cost energy in hospitals. The senior population is on a path to double in the U.S, and even triple in Europe, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This creates pressure to expand hospitals, healthcare networks, assisted … [Read more...]
Pennsylvania Tackles a Big One: Who Pays for Utility Microgrids?
June 2, 2017 By
Pennsylvania is the now the center of a pivotal, national industry debate over who pays for utility microgrids, with the introduction of legislation into the General Assembly that gives utilities a path to recover costs. HB 1412 allows utilities to recover costs within customer rates for microgrids and energy storage projects. Rep. Stephen … [Read more...]
Microgrids for Social Justice
March 6, 2017 By
Hitachi’s Alex Rakow and Erica Hauver explain why microgrids must become more embedded in social policy and public infrastructure planning. To many readers, Evan Osnos’ article, “Doomsday Prep for the Super-Rich” in last month’s issue of The New Yorker may seem extreme. America’s wealthy elite preparing for armageddon scenarios with … [Read more...]
Community Microgrids: Where, Why and How?
July 5, 2016 By
In a Q&A interview, Hitachi's Brian Levite describes the emergence of community microgrids. Where can they be found? Why are they good for the economy and at-risk populations? And how can we make more of them? How would you define a microgrid and what are the major features and components? We utilize the Department of Energy’s definition … [Read more...]
Top 10 Trending Microgrid Articles for First Half of 2016
July 4, 2016 By
What's been catching the interest of Microgrid Knowledge readers? First and foremost, they want to know what a microgrid costs. Our interview on the subject with experts from ABB, Hitachi, S&C Electric, and Siemens is the top trending microgrid article for the first six months of 2016. Check out the list below for the ten most read microgrid … [Read more...]
Hitachi Microgrids Part of Expanding North American Energy Play
June 1, 2016 By
Japan-based Hitachi today announced expansion of its new energy solutions business in North America, which includes the Hitachi microgrid operation. In addition to microgrids, the technology giant is offering battery energy storage, grid stabilization and other advanced energy initiatives in North America. Hitachi's new energy solutions … [Read more...]
What Does a Microgrid Cost?
April 26, 2016 By
When asked, “What does a microgrid cost?” ABB’s Nathan Adams responds, “What does a house cost?” Just as houses span from builder basic to celebrity mansion, microgrids range in size and sophistication. Or as S&C Electric’s David Chiesa puts it: “If you’ve seen one microgrid…you’ve seen one microgrid.” So there is no quick and simple … [Read more...]
What Would You Pay for Energy Resiliency?
March 21, 2016 By
If you don’t know the answer, join the club. Energy resiliency – maintaining a secure energy supply even when calamity strikes – is a key reason why many want microgrids in North America. But ssigning a dollar value to energy resiliency remains one of the most perplexing issues facing the microgrid industry today. Power outages cost the U.S. … [Read more...]
Hitachi Moves into the North America Microgrid Market with 100-Year Plan
December 17, 2015 By
Hitachi, one of the world’s largest companies, has entered the North America microgrid market, a move born out of a tsunami and a very, very long-term view of the business cycle. The $81.3 billion global conglomerate has been quietly preparing the ground for its North America microgrid operation over the past year. But the seeds of the move go … [Read more...]
