A microgrid is a set of loads and distributed energy resources that are interconnected within well-defined electrical boundaries and behave as a single controlled unit. They are capable of connecting and disconnecting from the grid, allowing them to function in both grid-connected and island mode. Microgrids are often backed by renewable wind and solar energy resources, energy storage systems, generators and demand management programs, and are frequently utilized to provide backup power or augment the primary power grid during times of high demand. Incorporating local wind or solar resources can offer redundancy for key services and make the main grid less vulnerable to local catastrophes.

Microgrids illustrate five major smart grid features:

• Integration with current energy management systems and the capacity to send active power into the grid from stored energy in response to a demand response signal from the electric utility companies.
• Demonstrating cutting-edge inverter technology that can integrate various DC sources at changing voltages to boost the efficiency and dependability of renewable energy sources.
• The potential for a more dependable electrical system by supplying power during the grid’s power shutdown and increasing the use of renewable energy sources to maintain the load during daylight hours.
• Assisting regional solar output consistency with the energy storage system.
• The flexibility to charge electric cars using either clean renewable energy, grid electricity or energy storage systems.

[See also: A resilient microgrid planning resource for local governments]

What is net zero?

Net zero refers to striking a balance between the greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the environment. The amount of global warming is, according to scientific evidence, determined by the amount of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide that humans release into the atmosphere. Slashing back on these emissions is essential to warding off potentially disastrous climate change. Consequently, as part of the 2016 Paris Agreement, countries throughout the globe committed to working toward the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The U.K. has established a target of being carbon neutral by 2050, making it the first large economy to do so.

What are net zero carbon microgrids?

Microgrids provide a chance to address climate change head-on and advance efforts toward a carbon-free electricity grid and are the foundation of the shift to net-zero energy. Greenhouse gas emissions are a major problem, as fossil fuels and diesel generators dominate today's microgrids. In a nutshell, the switch to net-zero requires the replacement of fossil fuel generators in microgrids with renewable energy. Incorporating new carbon-free dispatchable generating technologies into this shift provides an additional benefit: a more reliable and sustainable energy and power supply. Power quality is maximized, and all possible on-site generation and storage can be used thanks to automated energy management systems in microgrids, making net-zero energy buildings a reality.

Fundamentally, three things are needed for microgrid decarbonization:

1. Using renewable energy sources to their fullest extent,

2. Balance the intermittent and sporadic nature of renewable energy sources by the use of storage and adaptable loads management, and

3. Incorporating small modular reactors and hydrogen-based generating among the newly implemented renewable power sources.

Therefore, microgrids are ideal for testing, deploying and scaling up novel renewable technologies like hydrogen due to their more compact scale, storage repositories and flexibility to utilize diverse energy sources. Moreover, microgrids also work well with another trend in the energy transition: electric vehicles (EVs). Battery packs originally designed for EVs can have a second life as microgrid storage batteries. Since EVs may function as load balancers and store energy from the microgrid when they are idling at home, they are an integral element of the microgrid's energy storage network.

[Discover more about microgrid technology on GlobalSpec]

How are net-zero carbon microgrids important for industries?

As the world continues to adopt renewable energy, industries are starting to see the benefits of going green. The introduction of new technologies such as solar and wind is giving way to an energy-efficient future that is more environmentally friendly. To take advantage of this shift, businesses are implementing microgrids in their industrial facilities to reduce their dependence on grid electricity sources. These microgrids can be equipped with renewable energy and other sustainable technologies to help reduce carbon footprints, cut down operating costs and lower risks associated with outages from the grid.

Conclusion

The idea of a microgrid has proven useful in developing aggregations of distributed energy resources, including generation, storage and loads, for the purpose of ensuring energy security and preventing blackouts. During power outages and prolonged blackouts caused by catastrophic weather events, cyberattacks and equipment failures, the value of microgrids in providing energy security to a diverse set of consumers is on full display. Fortunately, microgrids can help us combat climate change, facilitate the move toward net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and achieve a more sustainable energy future.