Military and Commercial Microgrids

There are many different ways that the future of energy provisioning can go in radical and exciting new directions.  One, as I often mention, is our standard utility model, but given a major shake-up so as to integrate an ever-greater percentage of renewables into the grid-mix.  Another possible course, however, is microgrids, where whole sections of our world, say individual communities or military bases, go off the grid entirely, and fend for themselves.

I’m reminded of a tour of the Hunter-Liggett Army Base I took last year with some industry colleagues.  They declared war on the frequent black-outs they faced, caused by the unreliable service from their local utility, and decided to install 2 MW of solar PV, and a considerable array of batteries.

I bring this up because I plan to attend one of the premier conferences in the industry:  Military and Commercial Microgrids in San Diego this November.  If you plan to be in the area and want to meet for coffee, please let me know.