Colleges and universities were among the first to adopt microgrid technology in North America. Initially they did so to ensure electric reliability on a grid that had yet to fully develop.
Today, a new generation of campus microgrid development is underway, as it becomes clear the technology solves other problems unique to our times.
Institutions of higher education are installing microgrids to address climate change, recruit green-leaning college applicants, and position students for jobs in the growing clean energy economy. Microgrids also help schools better serve the public good, allowing them to act as electrified shelters during power outages caused by storms and other disasters.
Economics plays a significant role, too, as higher education tries to better manage energy costs. Microgrids can offer colleges and universities sophisticated and effective approaches to not only save money, but also earn revenue from energy markets.
Clearly, microgrids are a technology for today’s forward-thinking colleges and universities. Microgrids are especially well-suited for institutions where electric reliability is a priority, and sustainability, resiliency and energy cost management is a priority.