Lili Francklyn

Microgrids can improve resilience, decarbonization and affordability of the electric grid, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. However, legacy state energy policies remain a barrier to timely development. In collaboration with the research group Wood Mackenzie, the industry trade group Think Microgrid has developed a road map for new approaches designed to promote microgrid commercialization across the United States.

The Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) awarded its 2023 prize for “Best Microgrid” to Solar Island Energy and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) for a project on the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts that was designed using HOMER Pro® software. Key features of the microgrid include its design for resilience to tropical hurricanes and corrosion. The ECCB is leading the promotion of renewable energy throughout the Caribbean region.

The power often failed at a primary school in a remote Nepalese village. Even worse, the school was vulnerable to frequent lightning strikes. To improve the learning conditions and safety, Engineers Without Borders Germany upgraded the school’s electrical system and installed lightning protection, new solar panels, batteries, and wiring. Now, students can work without power outages or fear of lightning strikes. Thulodhunga is a remote Nepalese village in the rugged foothills of the Himalayas.