California’s major wildfires in 2017 and 2018 resulted in the bankruptcy of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and the expansion of utility policies to shut off portions of the distribution grid during times of high fire risk. These intentional power shut-offs are expected to average 2–5 days, Concerns about the shutdowns have prompted proposed … [Read more...]
Even as the microgrid market grows, developers are struggling to obtain financing. This paper, based on interviews with prominent developers, financiers and research reports, examines the evolution of microgrid financing and the obstacles to gaining financing. It also provides concrete advice for developers about how to get microgrid projects … [Read more...]
The U.S. tax code supports the energy sector by providing a number of targeted energy tax incentives, or energy tax incentives available only for the energy industry. Some policymakers have expressed interest in understanding how energy tax benefits are distributed across different domestic energy resources. For example, what percentage of … [Read more...]
This policy brief has sought to provide information for countries wishing to take advantage of this efficient policy tool by explaining the mechanics of climate auctions, the general conditions under which they work best, and the kinds of mitigation activities for which they are particularly well-suited. Climate auctions represent an innovative … [Read more...]
If you’re an executive who makes energy decisions for your company or organization, chances are you’re hearing about microgrids and energy-as-a-service with increasing frequency — and for good reason. Microgrids have been available for years, performing safely and effectively. But new technology and business models present energy customers with … [Read more...]
At Microgrid 2018 in Chicago in May, leaders from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shared their latest research on microgrids and their costs and resiliency. Jeffrey Cook, NREL renewable energy policy and market analyst, explained how to build a policy framework for resilient microgrids in today’s climate. This research was … [Read more...]
Given the crucial need for power in a digitalized society — and the grid’s growing vulnerability — energy resiliency and reliability are organizational risk factors. How can risk officers within corporate organizations set these values? What is government’s role? Clean energy gained traction when the value of clean air and water was monetized by … [Read more...]
The number of widespread power outages caused by the hurricanes of 2017 and nor’easters of early 2018 were the latest reminders of the fragile nature of the grid across North America. Microgrids are local power generation resources that may be coupled with storage and controllers supplying power to a facility when the grid is down or unstable. … [Read more...]
The senior population is on a path to double in the U.S, and even triple in Europe. This creates pressure to expand hospitals, healthcare networks, assisted living facilities, adult day care and nursing homes. Thus the reason for learning more about the value of Healthcare Microgrids. Add advances in medical technology, which result in new … [Read more...]
The new energy industry is working to categorize the various types of microgrid business models. The primary goal is to minimize microgrid system costs such as project development, system design, commissioning, service, support, and funding. Microgrid categories will help promote standardized designs – which will enable repeatable, modular, and … [Read more...]
Rocky Mountain Institute’s Andrew Allee describes a problem arising out of electrification in Nigeria. Minigrids are electrifying rural areas, but residents do not benefit if they cannot afford appliances.
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.
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