Today’s smart businesses are seeking ways to green their electric supply and leverage the increasingly favorable prices of renewable energy. In fact, commercial and industrial customers contracted for more renewable megawatts in 2018 than ever before. Technology and data companies lead the way. But in the next few years, the industrial sector … [Read more...]
MICROGRIDS FOR RETAIL SPECIAL REPORT Businesses lose billions of dollars every year from loss of power. When those businesses are retail stores, the community also suffers. Food and water become scarce. Essential goods are difficult to find. And it can be hard to get around if gasoline is unavailable. Further, customers lose confidence in … [Read more...]
Power from pig manure has proven to be an innovative solution to several farm challenges for a unique hog farm in rural Lillington, N.C. This report explores how Butler Farms installed lagoon covers for animal waste to not only reduce odors and eliminate rainwater ingress, but also to capture biogas to utilize as a renewable energy … [Read more...]
You may have experienced lessons learned while building your microgrid, and there’s more to learn even after your system is online about microgrid care. If you haven’t identified who’s responsible for troubleshooting issues, then you’re likely the one doing it. This might be all right if you have enough knowledgeable staff to monitor a … [Read more...]
Your microgrid project is ready to move forward. But a microgrid’s unique nature can trip up even the most advanced engineers and utility staff. Building microgrids is a complex endeavor. The nature of microgrid topology generally means power can now flow in multiple directions on your grid. And there are multiple facets to controlling your … [Read more...]
Microgrids are becoming more and more prevalent for good reason. The microgrid is a modern approach to solving multiple energy challenges. But a microgrid’s unique nature can trip up even the most advanced engineers and utility staff. The existing infrastructure isn’t designed for rapid change, and upgrades require significant capital. New … [Read more...]
Power outages have both acute and long-term impacts on public health and the critical infrastructure that supports the achievement of public health goals. Acute, immediate impacts tend to grab headlines. In November 2012, Hurricane Sandy’s storm surge knocked out power along the coast in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, disabling primary and backup … [Read more...]
The nation has steadily improved its ability to respond to major disasters and the power outages that often result. But increasing threats—whether severe natural disasters, cyber-physical attacks, electromagnetic events, or some combination—present new challenges for protecting the national power grid and recovering quickly from a catastrophic … [Read more...]
This panel presentation on urban microgrids from Microgrid 2018 includes research and analysis on the Philadelphia Navy Yard microgrid and the Hudson Yard microgrid. Experts from NetZero Microgrid Solutions and Ameresco explore how the Philadelphia Navy Yard microgrid is anchored by a natural-gas peaking plant, while the team at Veolia explains … [Read more...]
During a presentation at Microgrid 2018, Bob Wengel, vice president of facilities at Shedd Aquarium, which is home to 32,500 animals and 1,500 different species, described the aquarium's developing microgrid and energy plant. With a sophisticated energy management and building automation system managed by Schneider Electric and other technology … [Read more...]
What role can microgrids play when there is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in California? In this Q&A with Microgrid Knowledge, Ameresco’s Bob Georgeoff explores how quickly microgrids can be installed and their costs and benefits.
A special report from Microgrid Knowledge explores the benefits of microgrids for retail. The report explores how microgrids and distributed energy resources can increase efficiency, resiliency and reliability at a variety of different types of businesses in the retail sector.
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