The demand for distributed generation with energy storage is surging — and for good reason: these grid-connected microgrids are the go-to solution for today’s energy challenges. New features in HOMER Grid release 1.9 — the trusted software for designing grid-connected distributed generation projects — make it easier than ever to critically evaluate the costs and performance of energy storage and solar, as well as evolving utility tariffs. Join our HOMER Grid team on December 7th at 9 AM MT for a demonstration of the new features in HOMER Grid.
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Alaska Researchers Explore Turning Excess Renewable Energy Production into Heat
University of Alaska researchers are developing methods to help evaluate beneficial matches between excess renewable energy production and heat loads in rural Alaskan communities.
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.
Message from the Founder of HOMER Software – September 2022
Activity continues to move microgrids and hybrid power systems forward. The big news here in the U.S. is the passage of major climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act. In our article discussing the law, we focus on the transformational impact of the new policies. We expect it to accelerate the adoption of clean energy in the U.S. and I hope the law encourages other measures around the world.
Shungnak, Alaska, unveils one of the state’s first microgrids with solar above the Arctic Circle*
The town of Shungnak, Alaska – north of the Arctic Circle – is cutting energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions with a new microgrid. Shungnak is gradually replacing diesel generation with a hybrid power system that includes solar and energy storage.
UL Solutions at ACP Resource & Technology Conference 2022
Join us from September 7-9, 2022 in Las Vegas to share and discover cutting-edge technological innovations and advancements in the area of renewable energy assessment and performance and reliability improvements. We will be exhibiting on the show floor and presenting during a panel discussion. We hope to see you there.
Attitudes about How to Address Climate Change Slowing Progress
I have categorized attitudes about climate change into four buckets.
1. Magic bullet
2. Throw everything at the wall
3. Our grandchildren will be much more prosperous and will have the resources to deal with it
4. Let’s do the easy stuff first
Call for Stories: New Series on Microgrid and Hybrid Power Projects Announced
The editors of Microgrid News seek projects from HOMER® software customers for the new “Microgrid and Hybrid Power Project Spotlight” series for the online and newsletter editions of Microgrid News — with a distribution of more than 60,000 subscribers.
Message from the Founder of HOMER Software – June 2022
In this newsletter, I am excited to share that on June 27, 2022, UL enterprise revealed new brands for three organizations – UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement and UL Solutions. These brands reflect and clarify the unique roles that each organization plays in carrying forward our shared mission of working for a safer world — a mission that has guided us for 128 years.
UL Enterprise Launches New Brands
Three distinct organizations mark significant moment to continue 128-year history of safety science leadership Northbrook, Illinois — June 27, 2022 — Today, the UL enterprise revealed new brands for […]
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.
Nigerian minigrids improve power reliability and utility revenues for communities “under” the grid
In a “win-win” arrangement, microgrid developer PowerGen is building an “under the grid” minigrid for Toto, Nigeria. It will supply renewable electric power during the day, while the utility powers the town at night.
Think Microgrid Policy Summit to Tackle Barriers to Microgrid Adoption
Join us for the Think Microgrid Policy Summit Tuesday, May 31, co-located with the Microgrid 2022 Conference in Philadelphia. Featuring industry and regulatory experts, the summit will tackle barriers to microgrid development in the U.S.
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.
UL Releases HOMER Front Modeling Software to Maximize Revenue of Utility-Scale Energy Storage — With or Without Wind and Solar
UL releases HOMER Front modeling software, a web-based software application that performs technical and economic analysis of utility-scale energy projects. HOMER Front helps developers calculate the value of storage and hybrid power projects and maximize revenues.
Introducing New HOMER® Front Modeling Software: Maximize the Revenue of Utility-Scale Energy Storage — Standalone or Hybrid
Join David Mintzer, Steffi Klawiter and Christina Duong as they illuminate the path to successfully designing complex, utility-scale hybrid and stand-alone energy storage projects with HOMER Front on May 3, 2022.
Message from the Founder – April 2022
The big news is our new collaboration with the Microgrid Knowledge annual conference. With the surging interest in microgrids, the time is right for the leaders in microgrid education to work together to further the rapid advancement of microgrids. I am honored to have been asked to present the winners of the Microgrid Greater Good Awards at the Microgrid 2022 annual conference on June 1 – 2. We will also be conducting a HOMER Technology Workshop on June 2 at the event. We hope to see you there and please use our discount code, HOMERVIP for a 10% discount.
Join UL at The BOMA 2022 Convention June 25-28, 2022
Join us at The BOMA 2022 Conference. Smart, safe and sustainable buildings begin with reliable, renewable energy. Discover how HOMER Grid can help building owners and managers provide clean, reliable energy that cuts costs, increases energy resiliency, integrates EV charging and reduces carbon emissions.
De-risking Energy Storage: UL Industry Roundtable and Report
After convening stakeholders to assess the risks presented by energy storage, UL presents highlights of the downloadable report, “How to De-Risk North America’s Energy Storage Project Pipeline.”
Two Premier Microgrid Conferences Join Forces to Advance Microgrids Worldwide
Boulder, Colo – April 8, 2022 – Organizers of UL’s HOMER Microgrid and Hybrid Power International conference, the premier microgrid conference produced by UL’s HOMER software and Microgrid Knowledge, host of Microgrid 2022, today announced a collaboration to bring HOMER’s long-standing thought leadership to the Microgrid Knowledge stage.
2022 Community Power Scorecard Ranks the U.S. States for Support of Clean, Distributed Energy
The Community Power Scorecard, by the Institute for Local Self Reliance, ranks state policies that support local energy projects, consumer choice and distributed renewable energy. Read on to see who the winners – and losers – were for the 2022 Scorecard.
Join Us at Microgrid 2022: Microgrids as Climate Heroes
Hosted by Microgrid Knowledge, the world’s largest news site dedicated to all things microgrid, Microgrid 2022 is the one microgrid conference you will not want to miss. Don’t miss our special HOMER Technology Workshop on June 2, 2022. The conference is in person, June 1-2, 2022, in Philadelphia. Use code HOMERVIP for 10% off when you register for the conference.
Message from the Founder – March 2022
Throughout the decades, microgrids keep progressing. We’ve always categorized microgrids into three segments characterized by primary value: energy access, diesel fuel reduction for isolated grids and resilience for grid-connected microgrids. While these aren’t the only benefits a microgrid provides, each segment is identified by the primacy of one of these objectives. This month’s newsletter illustrates a microgrid in each of the categories.
Microgrid Brings Newfound Quiet and Cost Reductions to Canadian Native Community
A microgrid on Harbledown Island in British Columbia is reducing generator noise and air pollution as it delivers lower-cost energy to a Canadian native community. Modeled using UL’s HOMER Pro, it is continuing to perform well after a year of operation:
Join UL’s experts at Infocast’s Solar + Wind Finance and Investment Summit March 7-9
Infocast’s Solar Power Finance & Investment and Wind Power Finance & Investment, widely recognized as the foremost events for leading industry players to get fully briefed on the year ahead, have been combined for 2022 to create the most powerful networking place for top-level renewables and financial executives. Join UL’s experts at Infocast’s Solar + Wind Finance and Investment Summit running March 7-9, 2022.
Odyssey Streamlines Microgrid Financing in Africa Using UL’s HOMER® Application Programming Interface (API)
Solar microgrid developers in Nigeria are getting needed help to move their project proposals forward. The assistance begins with an opportunity to apply for project financing through the […]
Massachusetts Town Plans a Microgrid as the State’s First Clean Energy Resilience Solution
The Cape Cod, Massachusetts town of Yarmouth is building the state’s first municipal clean energy resilience microgrid. It will power an emergency operations center in a firehouse during extreme weather events.
Top 2021 Stories Highlight Increasing Momentum Toward Clean Energy
Enabled by decreasing storage costs, microgrids and hybrid power systems accelerated along a path of rapid growth and innovation in 2021. See some of our top stories for the year.
Founder’s Message – January 2022
There are many reasons microgrids are important. Most notably microgrids provide a resilient power supply and enable energy providers to use renewables at high penetrations and bypass some of the problems inherent in a centralized and highly regulated utility sector.
New Research Shows Microgrids Can Create Jobs and Contribute to Economic Growth
Three new reports – one by the new industry trade association Think Microgrid – show how microgrids can create jobs and bolster economic growth: