The project remains a work in progress in 2022, with the U.S. This initiative came after several small island states spoke out during the 2015 Paris Climate Conference about their need for energy independence.įor example, Saint Lucia began building its first renewable energy grid in 2016 that would produce 3 megawatts of solar power – enough to power over 3,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by 4,000 tons per year. Other islands in the Caribbean have received their own microgrids as part of the Rocky Mountain Institute Carbon War Room (RMI-CWR). It has eliminated their diesel dependency, cut costs, and enabled them to carry on the traditional Samoan way of life. Ta’u’s inhabitants have spent most of their lives rationing diesel power, so SolarCity is a life-changing event for them. The microgrid generates 1.4 megawatts of solar power and 6 megawatt-hours of battery storage, allowing for reliable power both day and night. Still, their remote location made shipping expensive and left them prone to frequent blackouts – not to mention diesel’s harmful effects on the environment.Įlectric vehicle manufacturer Tesla built a SolarCity microgrid to give the community energy independence and help preserve the island’s beautiful environment. Its inhabitants used to extract power from diesel generators. Ta’u sits about 4,000 miles from the United States’ West Coast. Perhaps the most successful microgrid implementation exists on the American Samoa island of Ta’u, which now uses almost 100% renewable energy to power its island community. There are several examples of microgrids changing the lives of remote and underprivileged communities worldwide. Photo by Munro89 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link Inspiring Examples of Microgrids These qualities make them ideal for powering small communities in remote areas while minimizing environmental impact.Īn example of microgeneration via a microgrid in Cape Verde, uses small wind turbines, solar PV, and energy storage to power a community. Since microgrids operate on a smaller scale, they’re more efficient, affordable, and dependable than expansive power grids. They can power larger areas than remote or grid-connected systems. Networked: The group, also known as “nested microgrids,” is connected to the same central power source.Grid-connected: You can connect and disconnect this microgrid from the main power as needed. Remote: These microgrids are completely isolated from the main power grid and pair well with renewable energy resources.Builders can choose from three microgrid structures: This equipment enables microgrids to separate from the primary power grid in the area and remain functional. How Does a Microgrid Work?Ī microgrid is a localized grid with a hybrid generator connected to renewable energy reserves, such as solar panels, and a backup generator. How do microgrids work, and how have we used them to create a better world? Here are the basics of microgrids and some inspiring examples of what they can do. They act as energy-efficient alternatives to primary sources that power large land areas throughout the world and help give underprivileged populations access to electricity, air conditioning, and other utilities. A microgrid is a small power grid with its own control capabilities, meaning it can operate independently from large traditional grids.
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