Power outages carry a cost. But exactly how much? Not knowing makes it difficult to calculate microgrid return on investment (ROI), as we explain in “How Microgrids Can Achieve Maximum Return on Investment (ROI): The Role of the Advanced Microgrid Controller.” Below is an excerpt. Return on investment, or ROI, is a common financial metric used … [Read more...]
Siemens to Invest $1.1B in Decentralized Electricity Startups and Other Disruptive Tech
July 5, 2016 By
Siemens plans to launch a new unit October 1 that will invest more than $1.1 billion over five years in decentralized electricity startups and other fledgling disruptive technology companies. Called next47, the unit will focus on microgrids, electrified flight, blockchain applications for energy trading, networked mobility, artificial … [Read more...]
Top 10 Trending Microgrid Articles for First Half of 2016
July 4, 2016 By
What's been catching the interest of Microgrid Knowledge readers? First and foremost, they want to know what a microgrid costs. Our interview on the subject with experts from ABB, Hitachi, S&C Electric, and Siemens is the top trending microgrid article for the first six months of 2016. Check out the list below for the ten most read microgrid … [Read more...]
Why is Microgrid Financing Difficult?
June 24, 2016 By
No 'killer app' exists for microgrid financing. And until one is found, microgrid growth is unlikely to reach full steam, as we explain in "How Microgrids Can Achieve Maximum Return on Investment (ROI): The Role of the Advanced Microgrid Controller. Below is an excerpt. The microgrid industry is expected to see rapid growth in the coming decade. … [Read more...]
White House Lays Out Plans to Scale Up Microgrids, Storage & Renewables
June 16, 2016 By
The Obama Administration on Thursday laid out an extensive list of federal, utility and private actions to scale up microgrids, energy storage and renewable energy throughout the US. The menu of initiatives came out of a summit that the White House hosted to boost the growing combination of renewables and energy storage. The event drew … [Read more...]
Microgrid-Ready CHP for U.S. Military Facility in Germany and Other Quick Microgrid News
May 27, 2016 By
Microgrid-ready CHP Plant to save energy, taxpayer dollars and improve energy security Siemens and the Defense Logistics Agency - Energy (DLA-E) signed a $24.6 million ESPC contract to install, operate and maintain a microgrid-ready combined heat and power (CHP) plant at the U.S. Army’s Installation Management Command (IMCOM) headquarters in … [Read more...]
Case Study: Blue Lake Rancheria Microgrid
May 24, 2016 By
As one of 16 U.S. communities designated White House Climate Action Champions, Blue Lake Rancheria, a Native American reservation in Northern California, had already made investments in alternative energy generation sources. The next step was to achieve even greater efficiency by optimizing how those resources are managed and dispatched. Blue … [Read more...]
Addressing the Soft Costs of Going Solar and Other Quick Microgrid News
April 29, 2016 By
SolSmart designation recognizes solar cities, addresses soft costs of going solar The new SolSmart designation program, from the ICMA and The Solar Foundation, will recognize leading solar cities and local governments that "cut the red tape," taking action to foster solar market growth. “The role of local governments in building stronger and … [Read more...]
What Does a Microgrid Cost?
April 26, 2016 By
When asked, “What does a microgrid cost?” ABB’s Nathan Adams responds, “What does a house cost?” Just as houses span from builder basic to celebrity mansion, microgrids range in size and sophistication. Or as S&C Electric’s David Chiesa puts it: “If you’ve seen one microgrid…you’ve seen one microgrid.” So there is no quick and simple … [Read more...]
