New-Gen Perspective on Reimagining America's Energy Future: The Power of Microgrids
(Editor’s Note: This op-ed is written by a university student contributor outside Microgrid Knowledge, a mechanical engineering major showing that a new generation of energy-savvy students are thoroughly aware, and in favor of, microgrids and their role in preserving energy resiliency for commercial, industrial and mission-critical customers. We are pleased to share Sydnie Oliva’s thoughts with the readers of MGK).
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The energy grid of today is a failing system, which, due to the increasing effects of global warming, will become obsolete soon. More regions are being devastated by natural disasters, which are becoming increasingly common and extremely dangerous. Yet the only thing protecting millions of Americans from the disastrous consequences is an electrical system that was designed for a different decade.
This matters because electricity is no longer optional. Hospitals, communities, emergency, communication, and travel services, along with most everyday operations and commodities, rely almost entirely on electricity. When the grid fails, widespread health and safety are threatened, economic pursuits falter, and recovery of people, towns, and the grid becomes slower and more costly. Despite this, the U.S. still relies on an old, inefficient, vulnerable grid that does more harm than good.
The most prominent issue is the harmful cycle that has been created. Fossil fuels, which dominate U.S. power generation, produce harmful emissions, which in turn exacerbate climate change and global warming. Disasters caused by climate change then damage the grid, and repairing those damages induces even more burning of fossil fuels. Every outage and disaster only strengthens the circumstances that can make the next one more likely.
The solution: Microgrids.
Microgrids are a localized energy system that can generate and store electricity. They can be connected to the main power grid or run independently when necessary to continue to supply electricity when the main grid is down. By having multiple sources of power generation from renewables like solar, wind, and hydro paired with battery storage and smart controls, microgrids are a very clean and reliable source of power.
Already, microgrids are being used successfully. In a 2023 New York Times article, Katherine Laterman highlighted neighborhoods and towns that function as/ or with their own power grids. They use solar panels that feed into shared batteries that store energy, which can be used to keep the power on during outages or for later use.
When the main grid fails, the lights stay on in these communities, and residents can continue with their normal lives, while other areas remain in the dark. The best part, these are not emergency prototypes or new technology; they are regular people who invested in reliable energy and reaped the benefits when disaster struck.
Academic research supports that these are not one-off occurrences. A study published in Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy in 2024 found that resilience drastically improved in regions prone to extreme weather, especially in the southeast U.S., due to microgrids. Due to being localized, they are considerably less likely to experience issues across power lines, which is often the cause of outages, and can be quickly repaired if any damage occurs. The study also discusses how regulatory uncertainty can be a large obstacle in microgrid implementation. Many states have old and confusing policies, so the problem now becomes whether states will update their policies and allow them to be implemented widely.
Moreover, a study in 2024 from IET Renewable Power Generation shows how multiple microgrids can work together to make the main grid stronger. Each microgrid should respond to real-time energy demand, allowing the system to adjust quickly during emergencies. Outside of emergencies, users can reduce their electricity use during peak hours, which can help improve the efficiency and affordability of microgrids. Overall, decentralized microgrids are not only more resilient but also cost-effective.
Some argue that they are too expensive or complicated, but this opinion does not account for the far dire cost of inaction. Costing the U.S. hundreds of billions every year, disrupting work, education, risking lives, and harming areas with fewer resources and slower recovery times. The benefits far outweigh the cost, both financially and morally; it is the most responsible choice.
This does not mean the preexisting grid will be abandoned, but it should at the very least be reinforced by microgrids. For proper action to be taken, governments at the federal and state levels need to remake laws and regulations about microgrids and start promoting them. This could mean tax or utility incentives, a decreased cost, or a discount rate. Critical facilities like hospitals, emergency services, community shelters, and food and water storage should be prioritized. Since it’s beneficial to all parties, communities should be encouraged to generate and manage their own power.
Climate change is already damaging America’s infrastructure. We can continue to fight a losing battle after every disaster or reimagine the system as one made to endure. Microgrids allow a safer, cleaner, and more resilient future, one where regularly losing power becomes a thing of the past.
The role of Microgrids in Energy Resiliency
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About the Author
Sydnie Oliva
Sydnie Oliva is part of the John H. Martinson Honors College, studying Mechanical Engineering at Rowan University, with a deep interest in innovation, sustainable design, and mechanical systems.
In addition to her academic pursuits, she is a dedicated member of the Rowan Women's Ice Hockey team, where she has honed her resilience, adaptability, and goal-oriented mindset. She is currently exploring internship opportunities to further apply and expand her engineering knowledge in real-world settings. Sydnie is the daughter of Janice Oliva, vice president of event business development at MGK parent Endeavor B2B.