Microgrid Advantages

What are the benefits of a microgrid?

Microgrids have several benefits to the environment, to utility operators, and to customers. Microgrids offer the opportunity to deploy more zero-emission electricity sources, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Are microgrids a good investment?

However, the potential benefits of microgrids, including flexibility, resiliency and efficiency, make them appealing to many businesses and communities seeking new energy management systems. In fact, investment in microgrids is growing, with one report suggesting the global market for them could grow to USD 55 billion by 2032. 4

Can microgrids improve energy resilience?

Since microgrids are not the only way to enhance energy resilience, communities may want to consider alternate resilience investment options, including hardening existing transmission and distribution systems, weatherizing power generation sources, and building additional distribution systems to provide energy supply redundancy.

How do microgrids provide power?

Microgrids can switch away from the main grid and continue to provide power during emergencies like these. This process is known as ‘islanding’. Microgrids can also provide power in remote places that have no access to electricity. Microgrids can provide power where bigger grids fail, even in remote areas. Image: Climate X Change

Who uses a microgrid?

end-users such as homes, industries, or office buildings to consume it. A microgrid can stand on its own (“behind the meter”) or can be connected to the larger grid (“in front of the meter”) but have the capability of keeping electricity flowing in the case of a power outage. Microgrids are nothing new.

Are microgrids sustainable?

Today, however, projects are increasingly leveraging more sustainable resources like solar power and energy storage. Microgrids can run on renewables, natural gas-fueled combustion turbines, or emerging sources such as fuel cells or even small modular nuclear reactors, when they become commercially available.