Microgrids
A microgrid is a small network of electricity users with a local source of electric power that is usually attached to a centralized national grid but is able to function independently if the macrogrid fails (known as “islanding”).
Also known as distributed energy resources (DERs) they are able to do so because they have their own means of generating electricity, typically from renewable and/or fossil fuel power sources. They are used either for emergency purposes or, increasingly, to allow its users to avoid high-cost peak electricity prices or to help the macrogrid meet peak demand.
In the future, these systems may be able to help the macrogrid restart itself after an unplanned outage (i.e. a “black start”).
Microgrids as a solution to macrogrid vulnerability
This islanding capability allows them to supply power to their customers when a calamity causes an outage on the power grid.
Because they are able to operate while the main grid is down, microgrids can strengthen grid resilience and help mitigate grid disturbances as well as function as a grid resource for faster system response and recovery.
However, microgrids also can be rendered inoperable if steps aren’t taken to protect them from catastrophic threats.
Fortunately, the cost of protecting public purpose microgrids is relatively small — e.g. 5% of new project cost — and not only affordable, but typically approved by local officials who can be influenced by a small group of motivated and well-organized residents in their community.
This is how once-obscure causes such as the “green” movement, Americans with disabilities accommodation, and requirements for residential smoke detectors began.
Military Base Microgrids
The US military has been aware of and preparing for loss of power from the local electric facility that supports it. Shouldn’t your community have the same protection? Here are some examples we hope will inform and inspire you…
Virtual Microgrid Tour: Joint Base San Antonio Microgrid Provides Energy Security and Resilience.
Another Military Microgrid on its Way as Ameresco Breaks Ground at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Navy Chooses Ameresco for $58M Resilience and Microgrid Project at Maine Shipyard
Microgrid At Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Community Microgrids
US Department of Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project—Who We Are
Center for Resilient Design Provides Planning Resources for Municipal Microgrids
University Microgrids
Universities are starting to see the benefits of microgrids.
Installing microgrids within a university offers protection from outages, control over energy assets and use, and enables the use of more energy sources.
Frostburg State University: In Md. Coal Country, a Push for Clean Energy — and a College Campus Leads the Way – Maryland Matters
Montclair State University
The microgrid can function independently from the electric grid while still producing enough power to support their 21,000 students, 5,000 of which live on campus.
It can transition to island mode seamlessly in the case of an outage or separate itself. In fact, MSU’s microgrid separated itself when a utility was having issues with capacity.
All while saving $4 million dollars annually.