Microgrid Industry News

U.S. Inflation Reduction Act: Impacts on Renewable Energy

In a recent impact analysis of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), UL Solutions cited renewables industry trade group American Clean Power’s statistic that, with the passing of the IRA, roughly 40% of the country’s electricity will come from wind, solar and energy storage by 2030. Overall, the demand for energy storage installations and hybrid systems stands to explode.

Electric grid managers eye potential electricity shortages this summer

This summer, agencies that manage U.S. electric grids are preparing for potential power shortfalls because of high temperatures and drought, particularly in the Midwest and Western states. The good news is that more microgrids are coming online. Microgrids can provide additional power capacity and help keep electricity flowing to critical customers during power outages.

Microgrid Knowledge Announces Finalists for 2022 Microgrid Greater Good Awards

A key feature of the Microgrid 2022 conference coming up on June 1-2 in Philadelphia is the Microgrid Greater Good awards. Drawn from applicants from around the world, these awards focus on projects that fulfill social and humanitarian needs. Eight finalists are competing for the top prizes, which will be presented by Dr. Peter Lilienthal of HOMER Energy / UL.

PG&E Community Microgrid Enablement Program Helps Communities Keep the Lights on During Emergencies

California gas and electric utility provider Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is taking a proactive step forward in the move to grid resiliency. In April, as a California Congressman introduced the House MICROGRID act, the utility announced the PG&E Community Microgrid Enablement Program (CMEP), its project for permanent, multi-customer microgrids. These microgrids will focus on “disadvantaged” areas and critical facilities.

Converting Diesel Mini-grids to Solar Makes Kenya More Sustainable

As Kenya’s population and economy grow, energy providers are leveraging renewable resources and converting existing diesel-powered mini-grids to hybrid systems. Kenya’s electric utility, Kenya Power and Lighting Company recently issued a proposal to add solar and wind power generation to 23 diesel mini-grids in operation across the country.

HOMER International Microgrid Conference Identifies Technological Advances, Policy Shifts, and the Industry’s Path Forward

The 8th Annual HOMER International Microgrid Conference attracted record-breaking participation and international representation, as well as an extraordinary selection of presentations by industry leaders. Session recordings are now available.

Foundational Support: Vallecito Energy Storage Resilience Project Lays the Groundwork for a Larger Renewables-Based System

An exciting energy storage installation in the Goleta Load Pocket, a highly vulnerable 70-mile transmission area in Southern California, will provide resilience in the form of 40 MWh of utility-scale energy storage. The Vallecito Energy Storage Resilience project will not only provide an energy storage foundation for a future community microgrid, but it lays the groundwork for a more resilient energy network in a region hard-hit by natural disasters.

Mind the (Charging) Gap: Electric truck fleets are set to expand exponentially. But not without robust charging infrastructure.

Analysts forecast a dramatic rise in the number of e-trucks on the road by 2025, which can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support air quality goals. But addressing the question of how to meet the high energy demand and infrastructure needs of e-trucking fleets is critical. On-site, renewable generation offers a solution.