We revisited what we published this year, and our editors noodled on which they liked best. Stories about grid calamities, electric vehicles, hydrogen and neighborhood microgrids were among those that made the cut.
Here's the list.
Weather and war
Solar, storage, microgrids sought for Ukraine as Russia bombards the grid
New Use Energy and a group of nonprofits are working with medical professionals and others to keep the lights on as Russia makes Ukraine's grid a war target.
Microgrids created electric sanctuaries amidst the devastation of Hurricane Ian
Look at all of the microgrids that kept the power flowing, often to vital services, while Hurricane Ian pummeled the electric grid.
How microgrids performed during the summer heatwave
From Texas to California to Oregon multi-tasking microgrids bolstered the grid and kept air conditioners running during this summer’s brutal heatwave.
Government policy
First glimpse into how the US government will allot energy resilience money
The US Department of Energy offers a glimpse into its plans to allot $10.5 billion for energy resilience from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Eight changes (all good) that microgrid insiders see emerging from the Inflation Reduction Act
Microgrid industry insiders describe the changes they foresee coming now that the $430 billion Inflation Reduction Act is law.
Sunnova swings back at critics of microutilities plan
Everyone seems to have an opinion — some pro and some con — about Sunnova’s idea to develop microutilities for new California neighborhoods.
Home and residential microgrids
A hydrogen microgrid for a home? A California utility achieves first step
SoCalGas produced its first kilogram of renewable hydrogen meant for use in a residential hydrogen microgrid.
California’s first nested community microgrid draws homebuyers
A Department of Energy backed project being built in California by KB Home tackles a cutting-edge approach: a microgrid that connects multiple communities and energy technologies.
A Florida neighborhood tries out a microgrid like no other
The word ‘unique’ gets attached to so many energy projects, it hardly has meaning anymore. But a neighborhood microgrid now operating near Tampa, Florida, lives up to the billing.
Electrification
Remember when powering your house with your vehicle was a wild idea?
A few years ago, the thought of using the batteries in electric vehicles to provide vehicle-to-grid, vehicle-to-microgrid or vehicle-to-home power was just an idea, maybe even a wild idea. No more.
Nation’s capital sees first microgrid-powered electric buses with launch of Alphastruxture project
The first microgrid-powered electric buses are now on the road in the Washington, D.C., area.
Trends
Three new and different reasons for microgrids
High energy prices, electric grid woes and the pursuit of climate goals by businesses are driving development of US microgrids. It’s no longer all about the last hurricane.
Resilience-hungry Oregon to deploy two community microgrids, reflecting national trend
In Oregon, which suffers from the effects of climate change, two cities are developing community microgrids. The projects reflect new models emerging to get more community microgrids on the ground nationally.
Economic trends converge to make microgrids more attractive
Demand for microgrids is accelerating as a convergence of market and government trends work in the technology’s favor. In fact, some of today’s economic headwinds act as tailwinds for microgrids.
Innovation
How a microgrid saved Pittsburgh International Airport $1 million
One year ago, Pittsburgh International Airport became the first airport in the nation to get all of its power from a solar and natural gas microgrid. Today, it’s got $1 million to show for it.
How to succeed as a microgrid startup: Xendee’s story
After winning the brass ring, its Series A financing, Xendee shares what it takes to be a startup in the microgrid software space.
Human interest
From microgrids to the moon: The unusual journey of Blue Planet Energy
Few microgrid companies begin the way Blue Planet Energy did. Founder Henk Rogers tells the story … and describes the unusual place his aspirations are bringing him.
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