Microgrids consist of distributed energy resources connected to the distribution system for normal operation, but which can also operate as an “island” system apart from the rest of the power grid to provide localized power during a widescale outage. Microgrids have been gaining attention lately for their role in reinforcing reliability and resilience, with Department of Defense (DoD) military bases among the leading adopters.
The earliest microgrids typically used diesel backup generation to power critical loads during an outage. As both PV solar and energy storage became less expensive and more widely deployed, solar and storage became integrated into a diversifying set of microgrid resources. Newer microgrids provide clean energy for normal operation and steady power in the event of grid outages. Wood Mackenzie recently projected that energy storage combined with solar, wind or hydro will power 35 percent of microgrid capacity installed in 2025, up from 14 percent in 2019.
This webinar explores the increasing role of energy storage in microgrid design and operation. Two presentations will focus on incorporating storage into microgrids at DoD installations and the final panelist will present a recent analysis of the resilience implications of storage paired with solar PV.
Speakers:
Jim Bishop, Director – Advanced Technology Solutions, Ameresco
Lakshmi Srinivasan, Senior Systems Engineer, Lockheed Martin
Ryan Hledik, Principal, The Brattle Group