In picking and choosing clean energy technology favorites, the U.S. Congress appears to be neglecting some important ones, among them fuel cells, combined heat and power (CHP) and small wind. The Pew Charitable Trusts sees these technologies heading for neglect as solar and large-scale wind prosper, since Congress extended their federal tax … [Read more...]
Combined Heat and Power Microgrids: Ready for a Renaissance?
March 3, 2016 By 1 Comment
ABB's Bob Fesmire describes a coming renaissance in combined heat and power microgrids -- one that utilities may find it's better to join than oppose. Most microgrids operating today—the commercial variety at least—began life under a different name, 'combined heat and power' or CHP. This was for the simple reason that a generator, typically a … [Read more...]
How We Got Here and Why We Need CHP Microgrids
May 23, 2015 By 3 Comments
Princeton University’s Ted Borer offers historical perspective on lighting -- going back to before Thomas Edison -- and explains why CHP microgrids offer so much value to today's electric grid. Electricity is a high grade form of energy. It is clean to use, high energy-density, quiet, and has a vast array of applications. There is a … [Read more...]
Microgrids and Local Energy: A Fad or a True Market Force?
May 7, 2015 By 3 Comments
We'll be the first to admit that there is a lot of cheerleading surrounding microgrids and local energy right now. Is it all just clapping and banner waving? Or are microgrids a technology with staying power? Navigant Research, which closely tracks microgrids, has recently published data that looks very encouraging for the microgrid … [Read more...]
IDEA2015 to Focus on Microgrids, District Energy and CHP in Cities
April 28, 2015 By Leave a Comment
IDEA2015, the International District Energy Association’s 106th annual conference and trade show, will bring global energy leaders to Boston in June to discuss the growing use by cities of microgrids, district energy and combined heat and power. The international forum, to be held June 28-July 1, will explore best practices developing, owning … [Read more...]
Global Energy Leaders to Gather in Boston for IDEA2015
April 28, 2015 By 1 Comment
Global energy leaders from North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East will come together in Boston in June for the International District Energy Association’s 106th annual conference and trade show. Scheduled for June 28-July 1, the international forum will focus on shaping the next generation of energy for cities, as the utility industry … [Read more...]
NYSERDA Seeks Contractor to Inspect Combined Heat and Power Installations
April 14, 2015 By Leave a Comment
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is seeking a contractor to inspect and re-commission combined heat and power systems (CHP) being installed under another state program. NYSERDA seeks the contractor to inspect some, or all, of the 200 CHP projects expected to be installed through its CHP Acceleration Program (PON … [Read more...]
Why Nodal Microgrids Make Sense in the United States
March 31, 2015 By Leave a Comment
In Ithaca, NY, Herbert Dwyer, president and CEO, ASI Energy, is developing the state's first "nodal microgrid," which is being built in phases. The project combines CHP with solar to provide heat and electricity. In this podcast, Dwyer explains the reasoning behind the "nodal" concept and its benefits. … [Read more...]
Why This Company Wants to be Off-Grid — And On
January 9, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Here's a company that has the ability to be entirely off-grid -- but has decided that's not exactly the way to go. Alliance Autogas's Autogas Research & Technology Center, which opened in October, can produce all of its power on-site --40 percent from solar and 60 percent from a propane powered micro combined-heat-and power system. "Sometimes … [Read more...]
