Few Microgrids with Significant Generation Capacity in North America

Few fully commercialized state-of-the-art microgrids with significant generation capacity are actually up and running in North America, according to a new market research report by Reportlinker.com, entitled “Microgrids - Smart Energy Aggregation Platforms for Distributed Power Generation, Safe Grid Islanding, Reliability, Security, and Emergency Services.”

The report says that Microgrids offer a compelling alternative to traditional energy generation and distribution. By utilizing smart grid technologies, Microgrids enable integrated control of distributed power generation assets either in parallel to or "islanded" from the utility power grid.

Today, there are over 140 microgrid projects totaling over 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of capacity worldwide. According to the report, the current mix of microgrids is heterogeneous in nature, and utilizes a range of renewable and fossil fuel-based power sources.

These microgrids also use a full range of application segments, including commercial and industrial sites, university campuses, remote off-grid communities, and military microgrids.

But, there are still few fully commercialized state-of-the-art microgrids with significant generation capacity are actually up and running in North America. Research is on to identify the suitable business models and regulatory structures to decentralize the power distribution infrastructure.

Decentralization will integrate renewable energy while adding greater reliability, security, and self-healing capabilities to electricity distribution. The right business models and regulatory structures are expected to have a significant impact on the evolution of the electric power industry.

Readers of this report will gain useful insight about the emerging global market for microgrids and the technologies that will enable greater flexibility and diversity in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.

This report also includes a detailed examination of business models, policy and regulatory drivers, technology issues, and key industry players that are focused on realizing the microgrid vision.

Read a related article at TMCnet: “Toshiba (News - Alert) Awarded Major Order for Microgrid Systems by OEPC.”