A new report from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association details why there's a future in microgrids for association members--and everyone else. "Powering Microgrids for the 21st-Century Electrical System," lays out the business case for microgrids, identifies the technological advances that will increase microgrid use, and provides a … [Read more...]
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The Vital Role of Reciprocating Engines in Remote Communities
September 12, 2016 By Leave a Comment
We offer a global view of reciprocating engines in remote communities in this excerpt from the Microgrid Knowledge guide, Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: The Last Defense Against a Power Outage. In a land where winter can bring only a few hours of sunlight daily—or none at all for 67 days in Barrow, Alaska the northern most … [Read more...]
With Flexibility, Eastern Grid Can Get More than 30 Percent Renewables Online
September 6, 2016 By 1 Comment
With increased flexibility, the eastern grid can get more than 30 percent renewables online, and at times, can boost its renewables penetration to up to 60 percent. That's the word from a new report from the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), "The Eastern Renewable Generation Integration Study (ERGIS)." To bring … [Read more...]
Good News for Microgrids from California Climate Bills
September 1, 2016 By Leave a Comment
California's passage of two aggressive climate bills offers good news for microgrids, since they can act as levers to help the state reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Once again, the state has led the climate change battle, this time with last week's passage by the state legislature of the two bills, SB 32 and AB 197. The bills aim to reduce … [Read more...]
Reciprocating Engines and Microgrids: A Natural Fit
August 31, 2016 By Leave a Comment
From the Microgrid Knowledge guide, Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: The Last Defense Against a Power Outage, this article looks at the natural fit between reciprocating engines and microgrids. Microgrids are not a new idea; in fact, there are microgrids that have been operating for decades. But it wasn’t until after Superstorm … [Read more...]
Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: What’s the Best Fuel for Use in a Genset?
August 24, 2016 By Leave a Comment
From the Microgrid Knowledge guide, Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: The Last Defense Against a Power Outage, this article looks at the pros and cons of the fuels used in reciprocating engines. Electricity costs are determined largely by the price and availability of fuels used in power production. As a result, the power … [Read more...]
What is a Reciprocating Engine Generator?
August 16, 2016 By 1 Comment
Everyone knows what solar and wind energy is. But ask, 'What is a reciprocating engine generator?' and most people are stumped. Yet this mainstay technology plays a crucial role in keeping on the lights. We define 'reciprocating engine generator' in this excerpt from the new Microgrid Knowledge guide, Reciprocating Engine Generators and … [Read more...]
Decentralized Energy Receives Less Funding than Utility Projects: Report
August 15, 2016 By 1 Comment
Decentralized energy receives less funding than utility-scale projects, indicating a need to rethink policy, says a new report by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). "Unlocking Climate Finance for Decentralised Energy Access" analyzes information from the Climate Funds Update database, which offers information on … [Read more...]
Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: Unsung Heroes of the Electric Grid
August 11, 2016 By 3 Comments
The new Microgrid Knowledge guide, Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: The Last Defense Against a Power Outage, looks at a technology that gets little attention but serves a crucial role on the electric grid. Reciprocating engine generators are often the last line of defense when all other resources fail in a power outage. That's just … [Read more...]
Gov. Inks Massachusetts Energy Storage Mandate…Does Mickey Need a Microgrid?..Siemens Sees Distributed Energy Future
August 9, 2016 By 2 Comments
Massachusetts energy storage mandate a go It's official. Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday signed into law Massachusetts's energy storage requirement, making it the third state in the nation to mandate energy storage use by utilities. The exact target will be determined by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) H. 4568, a comprehensive energy … [Read more...]
