Energy Future: Diverse, Decentralized, Distributed, Decarbonized, Democratized, and Digitized.

We are in the midst of a critical paradigm shift as our energy system evolves from a centralized power plant model to a complex array of smaller, distributed energy networks that incorporate multiple – primarily renewable – technologies. Driven by the new cost advantages of renewable energy, as well as an urgent need to reduce our carbon emissions, these changes are upending century-old beliefs about how energy should be produced and distributed. HOMER Energy CEO and co-founder Dr. Peter Lilienthal explains the new principles that should guide our energy decisions:

Solar and Nuclear: What’s Wrong with Putting All Options on the Table?

In general, putting all options on the table seems like good policy advice and normally it is. With respect to energy and climate policy it is a way to avoid antagonizing proponents of conventional energy sources. In the context of phasing out fossil fuels, it really boils down to the two carbon-free sources with the greatest potential: solar and nuclear. We explore the choices:

Combined Dispatch Algorithm “Two-for-one Deal” Accurately Models Microgrid Controller

combined dispatch algorithm

By Cycle Charging during periods of low net load, the Combined Dispatch algorithm helps avoid using a diesel generator at low loads. By Load Following during periods of high net load, the algorithm maximizes the use of available renewable energy. Due to this flexibility of being able to account for both high and low loads, the Combined Dispatch algorithm is a better option than choosing between Load Following or Cycle Charging (and potentially making the wrong choice). It is also a better option than running both strategies by default, which doubles the processing time. On top of that, we’ve seen that Combined Dispatch can perform as well, if not better than, either Load Following or Cycle Charging.

Lessons from the Off-grid World: Resilient Distributed Energy Win-Win for Consumers, Utilities

distributed energy

The future of energy starts with a fundamental transition from a centralized structure dependent on fossil generation to a distributed structure relying mostly on renewable generation. This transition means a large number of small projects instead of a small number of large projects. And you, HOMER users, are the vanguard of this transition.

To ‘fuel’ this future, the grid-connected world can learn a lot of lessons from international (and Alaskan) experience with off-grid and isolated systems, which were the topics of many of the sessions held at HIMC2017. I’m going to talk about 6 such lessons.