Microgrids are becoming an important part of the electrical delivery system, particularly in North America, according to a recent report from Navigant. With more than 4000 MW worldwide, Microgrids are defined as integrated energy system networks consisting of distributed energy resources (DERs) and multiple electrical loads and/or meters operating as a single, autonomous grid either in parallel to or "islanded" from the existing utility power grid.
Most microgrids in operation today are, in essence, retrofit projects, the report authors say, that cobble together existing assets and derive revenue from an overlay of controls used to enable legacy technology (consisting of the majority of the assets within the microgrid) to talk to new technology (usually small amounts of solar PV or a new advanced energy storage unit). Many new microgrid projects are still under the radar, and many local projects originate organically, without official designations or titles, making them very hard to track, the report observes. As a sector, however, microgrids are beginning to move into the mainstream, with a greater focus being placed on viable business models. The result is a much more robust microgrid market than just a few years ago. According to a new tracker report from Navigant Research, more than 480 microgrid projects are proposed, planned, under construction, or operating worldwide, representing nearly 3,800 megawatts (MW) of capacity.
As of the second quarter 2013, Navigant Research has identified a total of 3,793 MW of total microgrid capacity throughout the world, up from 3,179 MW in the previous tracker update in quarter four, 2012. North America is still the world’s leading market for microgrids, with a planned, proposed, and deployed capacity of 2,505 MW, representing 66% of the global capacity. This represents an additional 55 projects since the 4Q 2012 update, and an additional 417 MW. Of the total North American microgrid capacity, 1,459 MW is currently online and over 1,122 MW is in the planned/under development or proposed phase.
The report, “Microgrid Deployment Tracker 2Q13”, provides data on known microgrid projects in the proposal, planning, and deployed stages, including details on the various technologies employed in individual projects. The report includes specific information on the capacity of the following generation assets: diesel, combined heat and power, solar photovoltaic, wind, and fuel cells. For a copy of the report contact