CleanTechnica
Summary
Since electricity first replaced gas lamps, the model for selling it has been to create a large generating station somewhere, and then distribute the electricity it makes using a network of poles, wires, and substations to individual homes and business customers. That was fine when no one had the ability to generate electricity on their own and storage batteries were just a dream. Yet today, solar panels and batteries make it possible to create microgrids where electricity is created and consumed locally.
According to a report by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, wildfires in California have caused many regional power shutoffs that have cost billions of dollars and been responsible for many deaths. Berkeley Lab says 46 million Americans are living next to forests at what scientists call the “wildland-urban interface.” That’s where the risks of wildfire can be especially acute.
By using small-scale local energy sources, communities can create microgrids that allow them to disconnect from regional electrical grids during emergencies. By doing so, they can continue to deliver essential services to keep homes and communities safe. Some communities use diesel generators to power their microgrid, but that is too costly to be economically viable. In addition, it creates too much carbon dioxide to be environmentally responsible.
Continue Reading
#News
#Microgrids