Microgrids for Commercial and Industrial Companies: Delivering Increased Power Reliability, Lower Energy Costs and Lower Emissions
An increasing number of commercial and industrial (C&I) companies are implementing low-carbon microgrids. A microgrid is a set of energy resources that can operate, if needed, independently from the electricity grid. Traditional microgrids relied on fossil fuels, but now low-carbon microgrids are emerging, which run with predominantly renewable power. This session will address when, why and how commercial and industrial (C&I) companies can benefit from low-carbon microgrids.
Reliable, affordable and sustainable power remains a critical need for C&I companies in off-grid areas or areas with inconsistent supply. Even in areas with reliable grids, C&I companies wish to improve the economics for self-production, increase their resiliency and lower emissions. To help C&I companies do so, this session will answer key questions for considering different energy supply options including: when can a company use microgrids? Why should they install low-carbon microgrids? How should they be financed? What are the wider benefits?
Over the past three years, solar PV microgrids have become competitive with thermal solutions. The levelized cost of energy of PV microgrids is now significantly lower than that of diesel generators and comparable with that of gas microturbines. Moreover, the cost of battery packs decreased by more than half, improving the business case for storage and peak-shaving.
This session will present a sample of the following case studies:
- Establishment Labs, Costa Rica;
- Boston One Campus;
- Essakane Mine, Burkina Faso.
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Chris Marnay Senior Advisor, China Energy Group Energy Technologies Area Lawrence Berkeley National Lab bio |
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