Top 10 Microgrid White Papers of 2020 — Expert Energy Strategies Amid a Turbulent Year
In light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, this year was one for the books for almost every industry. But the energy industry was also responding to other unique occurrences, such as significant wildfires in California and multiple hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. In light of these challenges, many in the industry turned to expert advice and strategies from industry leaders. One of the outlets for such information is the full library of microgrid white papers.
Microgrid Knowledge’s top 10 microgrid white papers of 2020 came from energy leaders such as Ameresco, Bloom Energy, Eaton, Enchanted Rock, Instant ON, NRG, S&C Electric, Schneider Electric and Siemens.
The most popular microgrid white papers, as well as much of the energy news stemming from 2020, make clear that more and more energy customers better understand the value of energy resiliency. For example, critical facilities, such as hospitals and data centers, were stressed during 2020 because of impacts from the coronavirus, and resiliency is now a top priority.
Below you will find the top 10 most downloaded white papers on Microgrid Knowledge in 2020, covering everything from how microgrids are changing to how energy-as-a-service models are opening the door to microgrids for more facilities.
1. Nanogrids: A New Opportunity for the Solar Industry
Instant ON
Solar energy has the ability to provide immense benefit to society and the grid. But solar’s full potential isn’t being fully realized. This report is designed to help boost awareness and understanding of solar nanogrids, courtesy of Instant ON.
2. How Microgrids are Changing the Paradigm on Data Center Power Delivery, Uptime and Efficiency
Enchanted Rock
Uptime and performance are critical for data centers, but they cannot continue to rely on diesel generators for reliable backup power, especially as they respond to price pressure and environmental sensibilities. Explore why microgrid use is on the rise and how microgrids improve resiliency, uptime and a data center’s environmental profile.
A number of projects are underway that aggregate, or pool, power from the batteries in nanogrids. Photo credit: Simone Hogan/Shutterstock.com
3. The Financial Decision-Makers Guide to Energy-as-a-Service Microgrids
Schneider Electric
A new energy-as-a-service (EaaS) model has emerged that simplifies microgrid development and ownership for organizations. EaaS relieves the microgrid host of operational and financial risks — but guarantees them the benefits. Microgrid Knowledge and Schneider Electric highlight in detail the new model for energy-as-a-service microgrids.
4. How Reshaping Regulation Will Reshape the Grid
S&C Electric
The electric utility industry needs new regulatory models so utilities can be profitable while they oversee a transformation to the grid of the future. This transition will require considerable investment, but it will also create efficiencies and deliver a much broader suite of services to customers. S&C Electric’s regulatory team lays out what it believes to be the most likely road regulatory bodies will follow to enact these changes.
5. How to Build a Microgrid
S&C Electric
Even if you have defined some of your microgrid needs, it can be easy to overlook the details. Missing these details can result in increased costs and project delays. This handbook from S&C Electric is designed to provide industry best practices and help you avoid common mistakes when building microgrids.
6. The Genius of Microgrids in Higher Education
Siemens
US colleges and universities have taken the lead in fighting climate change by setting ambitious sustainability and renewable energy goals. Now, add a new challenge: the need for reliable and resilient energy. This Micogrid Knowledge Special Report, in partnership with Siemens, explains how microgrids in higher education can help flip these problems into opportunities to prepare the workforce for the emerging new energy economy, while yielding low cost, reliable and clean sources of energy.
7. Microgrids for Hospitals and Healthcare
Bloom Energy
Microgrids are one of the fastest growing sectors within the electric power industry, and they are poised for even wider adoption in the wake of recent events. Learn how hospitals and healthcare facilities can benefit from microgrid adoption.
With recent code changes, other generation sources can also be incorporated into the normal source capacity of a hospital’s essential electrical system. Photo credit: Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com
8. How to Optimize Energy Storage in a Microgrid
Eaton
In this white paper, new voltage sensitivity indexes are proposed to search and evaluate the candidate buses in a microgrid, where the energy storage systems can be installed to contribute most effectively to the system. To learn more about optimized energy storage in a microgrid, read this paper.
9. The Rise of Clean Energy Microgrids & Why They Make Sense
Ameresco
All microgrids offer greater electric reliability. But the clean energy microgrid does more. It also reduces carbon emissions and helps organizations reach sustainability goals. This report covers why clean energy microgrids make sense for hospitals, higher education institutions, military and government, and businesses.
10. The Evolution of Distributed Energy Resources
NRG
This report makes plain the complexities involved in capturing DER benefits. Some of the most significant advantages occur within wholesale energy market transactions, a complex arena best pursued with guidance from experts in the space. Read “The Evolution of Distributed Energy Resources: What the Rise of Local Energy Means for Businesses, Institutions and Communities,” today. This special report is timely, given the pace of change in energy technology and lack of knowledge among energy users about new possibilities.
Read more microgrid white papers to explore key trends and topics across the microgrid industry.
