Energy accounts for 20-25% of indoor cannabis cultivation costs. Photo via CPB
Microgrids for the Cannabis Industry: Solving the Energy Hog Problem
Colorado-based Scale Energy Solutions has unveiled solutions to fill a gap that utility companies and major corporations can’t fix. The company develops hybrid microgrids, combining solar, storage and combined heat and power (CHP), to lower the gluttonous energy consumption of indoor cannabis cultivation, microgrids it predicts will cut 20-25% from the cost of production. Scale Energy has several projects in development — ranging in size from 250 kW to 1.5 MW — for cannabis operations as large as 1 million sqft.
Study Examines Approach to Electrifying Off-grid Zambian Villages
Italian-based OffgridSun, Zambian-based Pressinnovate and the Technical University of Delft conducted a 7-month feasibility study to find a scalable solution to electrify off-grid Zambian villages. The study was conducted in 5 villages in different provinces and funded by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket). Based on its findings, the study concluded that a mini-grid for the market area, solar home systems for the households and a stand-alone solar system for the public buildings were the best combination but only a strong local management, accepted by the community, could assure its success.
North Dakota Legislators Slam Wind Power to ‘Save Coal’
The state Senate will consider a bill this week that would put a two-year moratorium on new wind development in North Dakota, a proposal that critics say unfairly targets one industry. Sen. Dwight Cook, R-Mandan, said the amended bill is intended to guarantee that North Dakota has a “reliable and affordable source of electricity in the future” and to “save coal.”
More microgrid news highlights:
New Storage System Microgrid Connected in Sardinia, Reducing Emissions by 14 Thousand Tons of Co2
Kenya Pauses Rural Electrification Program
$577M for New Jersey Power ‘Microgrid’ in a First for US Transport
Look for HOMER Energy’s “Microgrid News Highlights” feature weekly at microgridnews.com