Microgrid system development history chart

When was the first microgrid built?

According to Pike Research, the first “modern industrial microgrid in the United States was a 64 MW facility constructed in 1955 at the Whitling Refinery in Indiana,” but most people are not aware the concept is much older. The microgrid concept dates back to the beginning of our industry.

What is a microgrid & how does it work?

A microgrid is a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid. It can connect and disconnect from the grid to operate in grid-connected or island mode. Microgrids can improve customer reliability and resilience to grid disturbances.

What are advanced microgrids?

Advanced microgrids enable local power generation assets—including traditional generators, renewables, and storage—to keep the local grid running even when the larger grid experiences interruptions or, for remote areas, where there is no connection to the larger grid.

What drives microgrid development?

Resilience, efficiency, sustainability, flexibility, security, and reliability are key drivers for microgrid developments. These factors motivate the need for integrated models and tools for microgrid planning, design, and operations at higher and higher levels of complexity.

What factors drive microgrid development and deployment?

The factors driving microgrid development and deployment in locations with existing electrical grid infrastructure fall into three broad categories: Energy Security, Economic Benefits, and Clean Energy Integration, as described in Table 2, below. Table 2. Drivers of microgrid development and deployment.

When did standardized protocols become available for reconnection of microgrid systems?

It wasn’t until the IEEE approved standard 1547.4 in 2011, that standardized protocols became available for safe intentional islanding and reconnection of microgrid systems. IEEE 1547.4 includes guidance for planning, design, operation, and integration of distributed resource island systems with the larger utility grid.