As the world faces the ongoing challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions, the deployment of microgrids has emerged as a promising technology. Not only do microgrids offer a more reliable, resilient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional energy sources, but they also have the potential to generate significant job creation opportunities.

Microgrids are localized power systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the larger grid, providing energy to communities and businesses. They can incorporate a variety of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and biomass, as well as energy storage technologies such as batteries. As the demand for microgrids grows, the installation, maintenance, and manufacturing of these systems will require a skilled workforce, creating new job opportunities across the energy sector.

Installation and Maintenance

The installation and maintenance of microgrid systems require skilled labor, including electricians, engineers, and technicians. As more microgrids are deployed, the demand for these skilled workers is likely to increase, creating new job opportunities in the energy sector. This job growth is not limited to urban centers, as microgrids can be installed in remote and rural areas as well, generating job opportunities in those communities.

The installation of microgrids can also create job opportunities for construction workers and project managers. Building and designing a microgrid requires a team of professionals, including civil and mechanical engineers, electricians, and technicians. These workers will be responsible for installing solar panels, wind turbines, energy storage systems, and other necessary components of a microgrid.

Maintenance of microgrids is another area that requires skilled workers. Technicians and engineers must perform regular maintenance and repairs to keep the system functioning efficiently and effectively. This includes monitoring and adjusting energy production and storage to ensure that the microgrid is meeting the needs of the community or business it serves.

Manufacturing

The production of components and systems used in microgrids can create new manufacturing jobs. As the demand for these components increases with the deployment of more microgrids, manufacturers may need to expand their operations and hire more workers. This can lead to the growth of new industries and supply chains, supporting local economic development.

Manufacturing jobs associated with microgrids can include research and development, production, and assembly. This can include the production of solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and control systems, among other components. The growth of these industries can help drive economic growth in regions where microgrids are deployed, providing job opportunities for workers with a range of skill sets and levels of education.

Entrepreneurship

Microgrids can create opportunities for entrepreneurs to start new businesses. For example, individuals may start businesses to install and maintain microgrid systems or to provide consulting services to help communities and businesses develop microgrid projects. This can lead to job creation at both the small business and community levels, promoting economic development and growth.

Entrepreneurship in the microgrid industry can also include developing new products and technologies. As the demand for microgrids grows, entrepreneurs can innovate and create new products and services that cater to the needs of customers in the industry. This can lead to the development of new supply chains and industries, promoting job creation and economic growth.

Local Economic Development

Microgrids can help support local economic development by providing reliable and affordable energy to businesses and communities. This can lead to the creation of new businesses and jobs in the areas where microgrids are deployed. Local economic development is especially important in rural and remote communities, where microgrids can provide access to energy, creating economic opportunities and improving quality of life.

Microgrids can also provide energy security and resilience, which can attract new businesses and industries to the area. This can lead to job creation in a range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, and transportation.

In summary, the deployment of more microgrids can create a range of economic and job creation opportunities, including new industries, businesses, and workforce development programs. As countries continue to transition to a more sustainable energy system, microgrids are likely to play an increasingly important role in providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy while also creating economic and job growth opportunities.

The recent performance of the Gridscape Microgrid at the SpringHills Suites Milpitas hotel serves as a real-life illustration of how microgrids can offer backup power to businesses during outages. Utilizing cutting-edge battery storage technology and state-of-the-art software, the Gridscape Microgrid effectively powered critical loads, including elevators, for five and a half hours from 3:30am to 8am. This impressive demonstration highlights the reliability and cost-effectiveness that microgrids like Gridscape can provide to businesses seeking robust backup power solutions.

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the solar industry has seen a significant increase in popularity. One area that has seen particular growth is the use of microgrids, which are small-scale electrical grids that can operate independently or in conjunction with the larger power grid. Microgrids can be particularly beneficial for hotels, providing reliable and sustainable power that can also save money in the long run.

One of the primary benefits of microgrids for the solar industry is their ability to provide energy independence. By utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, hotels can reduce their reliance on the traditional power grid. This not only reduces their carbon footprint but also ensures that they have a reliable source of power in the event of power outages or other disruptions.

Another advantage of microgrids for the solar industry is their ability to save money. By generating their own electricity, hotels can avoid the high costs associated with purchasing energy from the grid. In addition, they may also be able to sell excess energy back to the grid, further reducing their overall energy costs.

Microgrids can also improve the overall energy efficiency of hotels. By using energy management systems, hotels can monitor their energy usage and make adjustments to reduce waste. This can include implementing more energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems or using sensors to detect when rooms are unoccupied and adjusting the temperature accordingly.

Furthermore, microgrids can improve the overall reliability of a hotel’s energy supply. By using a combination of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems, such as batteries, hotels can ensure that they have a reliable source of power even during times of high demand or when the grid is down.

In conclusion, microgrids are an essential component of the solar industry and can provide significant benefits to hotels. By reducing reliance on the grid, saving money, improving energy efficiency, and increasing reliability, hotels can ensure that they are well-positioned to meet the needs of their customers while also contributing to a more sustainable future. As the solar industry continues to grow, the use of microgrids is likely to become even more widespread, offering even more opportunities for businesses to benefit from this innovative technology.

Sustainable energy can play a vital role in promoting economic prosperity. By investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, cities, corporates, and enterprises can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. This not only helps combat climate change but also creates jobs in the sustainable energy sector and can lead to cost savings on energy. Additionally, shifting to sustainable energy sources can also improve energy security and contribute to economic development in remote or underdeveloped areas.

1. Job creation: Developing and implementing sustainable energy technologies can create jobs in a variety of fields such as research and development, engineering, construction, installation, and maintenance.
2. Cost savings: Switching to sustainable energy sources can reduce energy costs over the long term, which can benefit individuals, businesses, and entire communities.
3. Energy independence: Increasing the use of sustainable energy can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and foreign energy sources, which can help to stabilize energy prices and promote energy security.
4. Economic development: Sustainable energy can provide a reliable source of power for businesses, which can help to attract new industries and spur economic development in communities.
5. Stimulate innovation: Investing in sustainable energy technologies can drive innovation and create new business opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs.
6. Encourage investment: Governments and the private sector can invest in sustainable energy projects, by providing incentives, subsidies, and funding, which helps to attract private capital and increase the scale of sustainable energy projects
7. Support clean and low-carbon economy: By using sustainable energy sources, communities and businesses can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and decrease the environmental footprint of their activities, which supports global efforts to mitigate climate change and improve air quality.
8. Enhancing energy access: Sustainable energy can provide access to electricity to remote or underprivileged communities and reduce poverty by providing access to basic services like lighting, communication, and health services.

We all know that sustainable energy has a significant environmental impact, but economic and social benefits are also many. In terms of economic benefits, investing in sustainable energy can create jobs in the clean energy sector, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and thus lower energy import costs, and lead to cost savings on energy bills. In terms of social benefits, like improved public health, energy access, and community development. Using sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind power can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, protecting human health and the natural environment.

When social and economic growth goes hand in hand, the quality of living improves and this is the power of sustainable energy.

Sustainable energy is often referred to as a “game changer” because it has the potential to significantly transform the way we produce and consume energy. There are a few key ways in which sustainable energy can be a game changer and provide energy security in the time of energy crisis:

1. Renewable energy sources are abundant and widely available: Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and geographically concentrated, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower are widely available and can be harnessed in many parts of the world. This can help to reduce our reliance on a single energy source and improve energy security.
2. Renewable energy is more reliable and resilient: Renewable energy sources are generally more reliable and resilient than fossil fuels, as they are not subject to the same price volatility or supply disruptions. This can help to improve energy security and reduce the risk of blackouts or other disruptions.
3. Renewable energy can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: One of the major challenges we face today is climate change, which is largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels. By transitioning to renewable energy sources, we can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the pace of climate change.

Sustainable energy- The Trendsetters

One trend that has been particularly notable in recent years is the rapid growth of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. In 2022, we saw continued growth in the adoption of these technologies, with increasing numbers of homes, businesses, and governments turning to renewable energy to meet their electricity needs. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 and beyond, as the cost of renewable energy continues to decline and technology improves.

Another trend we have seen in recent years is the increasing use of energy storage systems, such as batteries, to store excess renewable energy for use when it is needed. This can help to improve the reliability and resilience of renewable energy systems, particularly in areas with intermittent sources of power like solar and wind. This trend is also expected to continue in 2023 and beyond, as energy storage technology improves and becomes more cost-effective.

There has been a trend towards the use of microgrids, which are small-scale power systems that can operate independently of the larger power grid. Microgrids can be powered by a variety of sources, including renewable energy, and can provide a reliable and resilient source of power for communities and businesses. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 and beyond, as microgrids become more cost-effective and widely adopted.

Sustainable energy in 2023-

Sustainable energy in 2023 will depend on a variety of factors such as market trends, policies and so on. However, it is likely that we will continue to see growth in the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, as well as increased use of energy storage systems and microgrids this year.

One trend to watch is the continued decline in the cost of renewable energy, which has been steadily falling in recent years. As the cost of renewable energy continues to decline, it is likely that we will see more homes, businesses, and governments turning to these technologies to meet their electricity needs.

Another trend to watch is the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). As the cost of EVs continues to decline and charging infrastructure improves, it is likely that we will see more people choosing EVs as their primary mode of transportation. This trend could have a significant impact on the demand for electricity, as EVs are typically charged at home or at work, which could increase the need for electricity during off-peak hours.

Factors that can further aid sustainable energy adoption in 2023

There are a few factors that could give sustainable energy a push in 2023 and beyond:

1. Technological advancements: As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see improvements in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This could make renewable energy more attractive to a wider range of customers, including homeowners, businesses, and governments.
2. Policy decisions: Government policies and incentives can also play a role in driving the adoption of sustainable energy. For example, if governments adopt policies that support the development and use of renewable energy, such as subsidies, tax credits, or renewable energy standards, this could give a boost to the industry.
3. Market trends: Market trends, such as the cost of electricity and consumer preferences, can also influence the adoption of sustainable energy. For example, if the cost of electricity from traditional sources such as coal or natural gas increases, this could make renewable energy more attractive to consumers. Similarly, if consumers become more aware of the environmental and health benefits of sustainable energy, they may be more likely to choose renewable energy sources.

Overall, it is likely that a combination of technological advancements, policy decisions, and market trends will contribute to the growth of sustainable energy in 2023 and beyond.

An underserved community is a community that lacks access to sufficient resources or services, particularly in comparison to more affluent or privileged communities. These resources and services may include things like healthcare, education, transportation, and even basic infrastructure, among others.

Underserved communities may face a variety of challenges and disadvantages due to their lack of access to resources and services. These communities may have higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and crime, and may have lower levels of education and health outcomes compared to more privileged communities. As a result, addressing the needs of underserved communities and working to improve their access to resources and services is an important issue for policymakers and community advocates.

There are a few reasons why underserved communities in the United States may have been facing power problems for years now. One reason is that these communities may be located in areas with aging or inadequate power infrastructure, which can make them more vulnerable to outages. Additionally, underserved communities may have fewer financial resources to invest in upgrading or maintaining their power infrastructure, which can also contribute to power disruptions.

Another reason that underserved communities may have struggled with power issues for an extended period of time is that they may be more prone to extreme weather events, which can damage power infrastructure and cause outages. There may be systemic issues, such as a lack of investment in infrastructure or a lack of political will to address these problems, that have contributed to the persistent power issues faced by underserved communities.

Microgrids can be a useful solution for underserved communities because they can provide a reliable and resilient source of power. Microgrids are grids that can operate independently or in conjunction with the larger grid. They can be powered by a variety of sources, including renewable energy sources like solar and wind, and can be used to serve a single building or an entire community.

Reliable and resilient source of power:

One advantage of microgrids is that they can operate in “island mode,” meaning they can disconnect from the larger grid and continue to provide power to the community in the event of an outage. This can be especially important for underserved communities, which may be more vulnerable to outages due to aging or inadequate infrastructure. Additionally, microgrids can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions, which can be beneficial for both the environment and public health.

Local sustainable power plants have the capability to generate electricity from clean, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. These systems are designed to meet the energy needs of a specific community and are often owned and operated locally. In recent years, local sustainable power plants have gained popularity as a means of providing reliable and clean energy to communities around the world.

Improve the quality of life:

One of the key benefits of local sustainable power plants is that they can improve the quality of life for communities in a number of ways. For one, they can provide a reliable source of electricity, which is essential for powering homes, businesses, and critical infrastructures such as hospitals and schools. This can have a major impact on the daily lives of people living in the community, improving their access to education, healthcare, and other services.

Furthermore, local sustainable power plants can reduce a community’s reliance on fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to climate change. By generating electricity from clean, renewable energy sources, these systems can help to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality, which can have a positive impact on public health.

Cost-effective:

In addition to these benefits, local sustainable power plants can also be more cost effective than traditional grid-based energy systems. Because they are decentralized and locally owned and operated, they can reduce the need for expensive transmission and distribution infrastructure, leading to lower energy costs for consumers.

Local jobs creation:

Local power plants, such as microgrids, can create jobs in underserved communities in a number of ways. First and foremost, the construction and installation of the power plant itself can create jobs for local workers. Additionally, once the power plant is up and running, it will likely require ongoing maintenance and operation, which can create additional job opportunities.

In addition to directly creating jobs, local power plants can also stimulate economic development in underserved communities by providing a reliable source of electricity. This can attract businesses and entrepreneurs to the area, which can create additional job opportunities. Additionally, access to reliable electricity can improve the quality of life for residents, which can make the community a more attractive place to live and work.

Overall, local sustainable power plants have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for communities by providing reliable, cost-effective, and clean energy. As the adoption of renewable energy continues to grow, it is likely that these systems will play an increasingly important role in meeting the energy needs of communities around the world.

The need for energy security is pretty evident now. The world is going through a major energy crisis. The war has exposed our vulnerabilities and shown us our unpreparedness.
Back here at home in the United States, things are not looking promising either. Did you know the US suffers more power outages than any other developed nation?
According to PowerOutage.US, power outages jumped to 73% in 2020 due to extreme weather events.
This power crisis is costing American businesses as much as $150 billion each year, which is roughly $500 for every person. The main reason for the frequent blackout is the aging grid infrastructure and poor planning.
Right now the world is experiencing a lot, on one hand environmental, political, economic & other pressures are prompting efforts to minimize fossil fuel consumption. And on the other, energy needs are skyrocketing.
Grids are under a lot of stress and they are failing every day; this is leaving a gap in the electricity supply that is being filled by sustainable energy.
Renewable energy is no longer an implausible idea but it is in fact the future of the electric grid. Local sustainable energy can provide a source of reliable backup power should the main grid go down.

Understanding the local sustainable power plant

A local renewable power plant, also known as a microgrid, is a self-contained, localized power system that can disconnect from the main grid to function autonomously. A microgrid supplies electricity to a specific geographic area, such as a college campus, factory, shopping mall, or even a community. Since microgrids can operate independently, they help with faster response and recovery.

One or more types of distributed energy (solar panels, wind turbines, cogeneration, generators) are used to generate electricity within microgrids.

Although the name has the word ‘micro’ in it, it doesn’t really mean this system is small and insignificant. A microgrid has no limit, the size of a microgrid is decided on the basis of project requirements, space, and budget. A microgrid has the ability to power an entire campus or a major factory for several hours in the event of power disruptions. Typically, microgrid components are local power generation, energy storage, inverters, MG controller, software, and other power electronics that will allow a site to be islanded from the grid in case of a power shutdown. 

Microgrids are a great answer for continuity in times of blackout or power disruptions as they can island off from the larger power grid during times of incidents, and maintain supply with self-sufficiency.

Microgrids are essential for maintaining grid resilience, reducing and mitigating grid disturbances, and even being a key to faster response and recovery for grid disruptions. The growing integration of distributed energy resource deployments, in terms of renewables like solar, adds flexibility and efficiency to microgrids. Additionally, using local energy resources for meeting local loads can be cost-efficient and reduce energy losses in transmission and distribution, in turn improving the overall efficiency of the electric delivery system.

We must not underestimate the power of a local sustainable power plant, Gridscape has worked on many projects with cities and campuses and has made them energy-independent.

The attention was diverted from football to the Japanese fans after their cleaning posts went viral. The Japanese have won an army of fans around the world by doing something that should be done by everyone. They have taught us all a very crucial lesson in the simplest manner.

Qatar world cup 2022 is plagued with controversies. Qatar is being accused of corruption, questionable human rights conditions, bribery and the list goes on. Also football brings out a lot of emotions in people. We have witnessed people fighting outside the stadium and breaking properties just because a certain team lost. But in all this madness, the images and videos of Japanese fans cleaning up the stands after the game were published online and it suddenly changed the mood of the tournament. The fans were applauded for the act of respect as they walked in the stadium with garbage bags to pick up all the trash accumulated during the match.

Somehow in all this chaos, Japan has managed to set up a courteous tone, their gesture has changed the tone of the tournament.

If you think about it- it is very bizarre, on one hand everyone is talking about millions and billions being spent on games, shows, events, and on the other hand something like this makes news and captures hearts around the world without spending a single penny.

What does this teach us?

There are a certain things that are deep rooted in tradition. In Japan, for example, the kids are being taught to clean at a very young age. Cleaning is not unusual for Japanese fans. They are simply doing what they normally do at home, at work, on streets etc. It is a midset, not something that has been forced upon them and this can only happen when people are mindful of their surroundings, their neighbourhood- simply put- WHEN PEOPLE START THINKING ABOUT OTHERS BEFORE THEMSELVES. WHEN THEY SEE THE WORLD AS ONE RATHER THAN AS FRAGMENTED UNITS. In this case, the games were held outside of Japan yet they thought it was they duty to clean. This kind of thinking is rare. But things can only change we we all start considering the world as one unit rather than many.

Climate crisis is monster created by each one of us because we just think about ourselves.

Yes, there are never ending meetings, seminars, podcasts, big events, etc where some individuals from a few key sectors meet up to discuss climate change and its effects- but honestly climate change affects all of us, and it has also been created by each one of us so when it comes to finding a solution for this -it is crucial that everyone participates and not just a few individuals.

We need to change the mindset, instead of making it sound like a task, it is important we make ‘ saving the planet’ a part of our culture. Doing something for the climate should not sound like a chore, the feeling has to come from within and that is the only way we can move forward. Right now, sustainability sounds more like a buzz word, like a new shiny concept but this needs to change, we need to make it more organic, more approachable.

*Image source: NYTimes

”BloombergNEF’s latest projection shows electric vehicles as a $46 trillion market opportunity between now and 2050”.

Electric vehicle sales are growing ever minute, however, deploying charging infrastructure that can keep up with this ever soaring demand from electric fleets remains a significant challenge to be overcome. 

Some say the grids are more than capable, some say the grids can’t take the current load then how can one expect the grids to take the additional load? Well, the question isn’t an easy one to answer,

EV makers, cities, utilities, infrastructure providers, everyone is busy making a landscape for mass EV adoption.

In California alone, the sales of electric vehicles have jumped substantially. As a result of their success, California has continued to push for aggressive adoption goals.

EVs of all types are already displacing 1.5 million barrels per day of oil usage, equivalent to about 3% of total road fuel demand.

(Source: Bloomberg)

There is no doubt that the sale of EVs will only soar in the coming years. EVs have already broken into the mainstream market and it is estimated that by 2040, 54% of all vehicles sold in the United States and 40% globally will be electric. It’s been estimated that an electric global vehicle fleet would need around 233 million charging connectors and an additional $1 trillion of investment by 2050 ( Source: Bloomberg NEF. https://about.bnef.com/blog/the-road-to-electric-car-supremacy-in-five-charts/).

With all these extra load coming from EV, will put unmanaged peak load and stress the current grid systems creating a huge challenge for energy management. The strategy for power generation and distribution therefore becomes very critical to address.

The electric grid will have to balance supply and demand. Since the power grids are already so old and stressed , they would need help of a local sustainable power plant (microgrid). The good news is, the sudden surge in electric vehicles is coinciding with increased utilization of renewable power generation and this can really help not just customers but also utility providers.

Role of a microgrid for EV charging infrastructure

A microgrid can generate electricity on demand without stressing the grid. This can act as both a generation source and a load source, adding flexibility to the grid. Furthermore; it also allows EV users to reduce their peak demand on the grid, and shift their energy consumption to hours when the energy costs are lower. A microgrid can simplify the task of providing adequate charging facilities and that in turn will help in reducing the cost, thereby making EV charging more affordable. 

The fact that microgrids can produce energy on demand- makes them truly unique and extremely reliable.

A microgrid can provide dynamic energy management and on-site energy storage which means much better energy management and distribution system, and it can enable grids to control load in a way that puts lesser pressure on the grid.

A local sustainable power grid will allow solar energy to be stored in on-site batteries and used later to charge EVs when electricity prices are high during peak times. This simply means it allows you to charge at any time without destabilizing the grid. A microgrid also brings down costs, and the system is highly agile and software-driven which means easy upgrades and more control.

A microgrid is democratic in nature, it provides an opportunity for building EV charging stations in underserved or remote locations where power is an issue.

Our grid is an ecosystem, it is so beautifully interconnected and so complex. It touches every aspect of our lives and we all could achieve so much in our lives because electricity played a huge role. No matter what we say and how much we complain, we cannot deny the fact that these power grids have shaped our lives.

Our grids have performed very well for many many years, even today a majority of the population depends on them and that is why when the grids go down our lives become so difficult.

Since 1982 the demand for electricity grew tremendously which was mostly driven by population growth. There were more people, the purchasing power was better, people started buying televisions, machines, air conditioning, computers, and so on and the need for electricity grew exponentially. But the investment in research and innovation in this particular industry didn’t increase as much and this is where things started to go wrong.

Demand grew, but investment and upgrades didn’t.

” While hundreds of thousands of high-voltage transmission lines course throughout the United States, only 668 additional miles of interstate transmission have been built since 2000, as a result, system constraints worsen at a time when outages and power quality issues are estimated to cost American business more than $100 billion on average each year”- energy.gov

It may seem rather odd that our grids are still so ancient- in a country that is all about efficiency and technology. We are in the 21st century using a grid designed in the 20th century. Now, do you see the problem? How can you expect a grid like that to perform 100% best today? We can’t be an efficient country if our grids are not efficient.

We should have migrated to the decentralized energy production and distribution system. Our centralized grids have limitations and we should have upgraded them on time.

Did you know the United States accounts for only 4% of the world’s population but produces 25% of greenhouse gases?

We have been talking a lot about sustainability for decades now, yet most of the grids run on fossil fuels.

According to energy.gov, ” If the grid were just 5% more efficient, the energy savings would equate to permanently eliminating the fuel and greenhouse gas emissions from 53 million cars”.

The number of blackouts have increased in the past decade, these power cuts are showing the weakness of our aging grids. The grids that served us for so many years are aging and they need our attention.

According to the U.S Department of Energy, power outages have doubled in the past two decades.

Yes, the grids are going through a tough time because of many reasons like climate change, shabby infrastructures, increased energy demands, and pressure from EVs but these issues have been there for some years now and these have not suddenly cropped up, if we had done something about our aging grids on time then we may have been in a much better state. There is still hope, we can still turn everything around and make the grids resilient again. We just need to make the centralized grids work in tandem with the decentralized local sustainable power plants, these power plants will offset the load that the main grid experiences, especially during peak hours and make the electric generation and distribution system more robust.

Many grids are already working with decentralized local sustainable power plants, which are definitely the next generation of energy generation systems. This new-age energy system will be more resilient, cleaner, and reliable.

We can’t blame our grids for every outage, for the longest time these grids were our lifeline. Now the time has come to listen to our aging grids and upgrade them with a cleaner, better system.

The energy transition is a key component of a climate action plan.

Colleges and Universities have always played a significant role in technological advancement, with clean energy too, they are at the forefront and driving change. Many campuses across the country are aiming to be carbon neutral in the next couple of years. In order to attain these goals, campuses are trying to find ways to reduce their energy consumption through efficiency upgrades and clean energy initiatives to encourage energy conservation habits.

Did you know, campuses around the United States serve more than 20 million students, making them big energy consumers? This makes a campus an ideal place to champion the green energy transition. 

Why do microgrids make sense for campuses?

High utility costs can be too painful for campuses.

Campuses, especially community colleges need to be judicious about spending.

A consistent supply of power is essential for any campus. A campus must keep things running smoothly. In the event of an outage, students expect their institution to keep the power on and emergency services operational. The need for energy resilience has become more compelling as the grids are getting old and fragile and we are dealing with more instances of natural disasters now.

The on-campus solar energy solutions can help campuses to shift to 100 % green energy. College campuses are ideal places to champion the green energy transition, colleges reflect the good, they inspire generations and they are always willing to try something new. On a more practical level, solar power systems offer a dependable source of unlimited, clean energy and help reduce emissions. While fossil fuels are a finite source of energy, solar power is not and this provides an incredible advantage to campuses as the energy needs of campuses are always so high.
Also, microgrids can help campuses reduce peak demand charges, which for some institutions can be onerous, accounting for as much as 30%–70% of total monthly electric charges, according to a report from NREL and the Clean Energy Group.
Furthermore, campuses can build partnerships with local communities to expand clean energy and can help create clean energy jobs, and bring down costs.

Benefits of a microgrid for campuses:

• Realize the climate action plan: On-campus solar energy solutions can help campuses shift to 100 % green energy.
• Savings: For campuses, solar power systems offer a dependable and affordable source of unlimited, clean energy. The cost of electricity has risen considerably over the past few years. Because big campuses use a great deal of electricity, they have been the primary victims of these price hikes and microgrids can help considerably with savings.
• Achieve environmental stewardship practices.
• Workforce development & green jobs training: Campuses can build partnerships with local communities to expand clean energy and can help create clean energy jobs.
• Increased resiliency: Microgrids can provide resiliency during outages.

Advantages of Solar Microgrid over Solar-Battery System:

Ability to use Solar System when power is out – Without a microgrid, the system must be shut off.
Resiliency
– Protects data center and other critical buildings during power outages
– Community resource center during emergency and power outages
– Avoid using diesel gen-sets for backup power
Better Intelligent system for future-proofing
Minimal Cost difference over Battery System
Future Microgrid incentives and tariff may not be available to a BESS system
Grid Services Revenue

Gridscape’s microgrid system can be the best solution for campuses.

Gridscape is the largest and well-established name specializing in developing and deploying standards-compliant future-proof products and solutions for renewable energy microgrids and fleet charging. Intended to serve as a locally produced sustainable power plant, these microgrids allow sites to become less reliant on the grid by using local sources of energy. They can provide as much as 90% independence from the grid energy, and thus reduce overall energy cost & provide backup clean emergency power during PSPS or other power disruption events. Gridscape with its ‘Product Centric’ approach to microgrids integrated with fleet EV charging solutions allows for lower cost of installation and reduces the time for deployment by substantially lowering integration issues. It expects to deploy and operate over 35 microgrids in California public and commercial facilities over the next 12 months. The list of Gridscape’s microgrid and EV charging customers and partners is as follows:
Unlike traditional microgrid developers, Gridscape employs a holistic product-centric, artificial intelligence (AI) based software-driven approach to designing, deploying, and managing microgrids. It also integrates Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and other controllable loads into its solution.

Gridscape has worked with Chabot College, San Jose City College, and many others.