US Microgrid Demonstration Project

How does government support microgrids?

Support for microgrids comes from research and development (R&D) programs at federal and state levels, software and tools, grants and funding support to incentivize demonstration projects, and tax and financial incentives for the installation of distributed energy [2, 3, 6, 126].

How a microgrid is developed in the EU?

In the EU, microgrid development is accompanied with comprehensive R&D efforts supported by a series of EU’s Framework Programs (FPs) . Demonstration projects are developed starting in FP 5 to now with focus on island and remote microgrid system, utility scale multi-microgrid, control and operation.

When did OE start a microgrid program?

Figure 1. Select U.S. Federal microgrid assessment and demonstration projects (source: OE) OE’s first major program, the Renewable and Distributed Systems Integration (RDSI) program, began in 2008 . The nine projects initiated in 2008 are shown in green on Figure 1*.

What are the trends in microgrid tools development?

In general, U.S. microgrid tools development has demonstrated some trends. First, microgrid simulation has evolved from traditional power system-based simulation and optimization to comprehensive power and thermal energy integration modeling.

Who is involved in a microgrid project?

The microgrid project involves multiple customers including the New Belgium Brewery, InteGrid, City of Fort Collins facilities, Larimer County facilities, and Colorado State University main campus facilities, as well as a variety of distributed energy generation technologies.

Why is China developing a microgrid?

China started its microgrid development through the 12th Five Year Plan (FYP, from 2011 to 2015). The primary goal for is to find a distributed clean energy way which can relieve China’s dependence on centralized coal power, and provide low emission and good air quality to the atmosphere.