The United States continues to lead the global microgrid market, according to the fourth quarter 2015 Microgrid Deployment Tracker released by Navigant Research. In all, the research firm identified 1,437 microgrids worldwide, totaling 13 GW in 100 countries. Of that, the U.S. leads the microgrid market with 673 projects or 4,800 MW, … [Read more...]
Nanogrids versus Microgrids: Energy Storage a Winner in Both Cases
October 22, 2015 By 1 Comment
Nanogrids versus microgrids: Which one is likely to grow the largest market? Navigant's Peter Asmus offers insight based on his recent research into world markets. The business case for nanogrids echoes many of the same arguments used on behalf of microgrids. These smaller, modular, and flexible distribution networks are the antithesis of the … [Read more...]
Microgrid Jr Comes of Age: The Rise of the Solar Plus Storage Nanogrid
October 7, 2015 By 4 Comments
The microgrid may be getting all of the attention, but its smaller knockoff -- the nanogrid -- is starting to capture the spotlight too. What is a nanogrid? Like the microgrid, it is a technology in search of a clear definition. But basically it is a small microgrid, typically serving a single customer or facility. A distributed energy … [Read more...]
Pool of Innovators in the Microgrid Space Is Diverse, Often Incomparable
October 6, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Ranking the pool of innovators in the microgrid space isn't easy because of their diversity. After recently publishing an apples-to-apples comparison, Peter Asmus of Navigant Research now offers an apples-to-oranges look. Navigant Research’s recently published Navigant Research Leaderboard Report: Microgrid Controls is our first ranking of … [Read more...]
Schneider Electric’s Microgrid Controller Named Market Leader by Navigant
August 11, 2015 By 1 Comment
Schneider Electric took the top spot as the leader in microgrid controller technology in an analysis released today by Navigant Research. Optimal Power Solutions and Princeton Power Systems took the number two and three spots for this key microgrid system. The microgrid controller comes into play when a microgrid islands from the main grid, … [Read more...]
Northern Power Opts for Elegance, Simplicity in Microgrid Technology
June 21, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Peter Asmus, of Navigant Research, describes a Vermont company's remaking of its microgrid technology play with roots that go back to 2002. Founded in 1974, Northern Power Systems (NPS) of Barre, Vermont, is returning to its microgrid roots, strengthening its market-leading position as the wind turbine of choice for microgrids with recent … [Read more...]
Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) Growing into New U.S. and European Markets
June 9, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Business is expanding for energy service companies, or ESCOs, in both the U.S. and Europe. Opportunities are developing outside of the public sector, the industry's long-time base. Now private building owners are increasingly pursuing energy retrofits too. That's the word from a new Navigant Research report that forecasts an $11.5 billion ESCO … [Read more...]
Cutting-Edge Microgrid Projects Still Popping up in the United States
May 27, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Peter Asmus, of Navigant Research, profiles two cutting-edge microgrid projects in the U.S.: NJ TransitGrid on the East Coast and the Salem Smart Power Center on the West Coast. The current edition of Navigant Research’s Microgrid Deployment Tracker gives credence to the idea that the Asia Pacific region may emerge as the market leader over the … [Read more...]
Events that Shaped the Microgrid Industry in 2014
January 2, 2015 By 2 Comments
Here’s a look at events that shaped the microgrid industry in 2014, a pivotal year for the growing sector. The timeline is made up of articles from MicrogridKnowledge.com and EnergyEfficiencyMarkets.com. They show microgrids advancing from planning to action; from a prospect to a trending technology. States crafted polices and offered more … [Read more...]
Alaska Leads the World in Microgrid Deployments
December 22, 2014 By 2 Comments
Few are aware that Alaska leads the world in microgrid development and operation. Peter Asmus of Navigant Research explains his recent findings on the state's microgrids. Many utilities view microgrids as a threat, due to intentional islanding and/or the effects of reduced customer load on long-term revenue projections. However, a small but … [Read more...]
