What is a Microgrid?
A microgrid is a localized energy system that generates and distributes electricity for a specific area, such as a residential community, business park, or industrial site. It integrates various energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines, along with storage solutions and advanced control systems.
A microgrid creates energy from one or more sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, for the exclusive use of local customers.
Electricity is distributed to interconnected buildings on any residential, commercial or industrial site, such as housing developments, factories, hospitals, schools or business parks.
Employing sophisticated software and control systems, a microgrid can disconnect from the central grid and operate independently. It offers customers energy security and can reduce costs, while meeting decarbonisation targets.
Microgrid can operate independently from the central grid, offering benefits such as enhanced energy security, cost reductions, and support for decarbonization goals. By managing energy supply efficiently, microgrid help balance the broader electricity network and reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
What is an SNRG SmartGrid?
The SNRG SmartGrid is a microgrid solution that reduces the risk, cost and complexity of the transition to an all-electric, zero carbon way of life. SNRG provides an end-to-end service designing, funding, building and operating microgrids.
Every SNRG SmartGrid is tailored to specific needs, but can include:
- Grid connection
- Low voltage distribution network
- Solar panel arrays
- Communal battery
- Electric vehicle charging
- Heat pumps
- Net-zero electricity supply
- Metering and sensors
- Intelligent energy management and billing
- Maintenance, optimisation and customer service
- Uninterrupted power supply
- Back-up power supply
- Grid services
See how the SNRG SmartGrid works here…
What are the Benefits of Microgrids?
A microgrid can reduce energy costs for consumers and businesses, through efficient management of the energy supply and maximisation of renewable energy generated onsite. Microgrids can also be used to help balance the wider electricity network, increasing the overall efficiency of our energy system.
The SNRG SmartGrid can reduce the cost of energy by up to 30%, and reduce the cost and timeline for a new grid connection by up to 50%.
Traditionally microgrids have been powered with diesel and gas generators. Modern microgrids use renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, accelerating the transition to net zero carbon emissions.
This is especially important for businesses attempting to meet reduced CO2 targets, and new housing developments, which in the UK must be all-electric after 2025.
Power outages can also be largely avoided on microgrids, thanks to careful programming. If power cuts do occur, microgrids have the ability to recover quickly.
Are Microgrids Becoming More Popular?
They certainly are, and with good reason, as outlined in this article. The world is transitioning, as it must, to a zero carbon future. Energy is getting more complex, with more use of installations like solar panels, batteries, EV chargers and heat pumps. The key challenge is to have a dedicated end-to-end provider to integrate all distributed energy resources into a single solution, that benefits everyone concerned.
Key Takeaways:
- Microgrids offer energy independence, cost savings, and support the transition to zero carbon.
- The SNRG SmartGrid reduces energy costs by up to 30% and new grid connection costs by 50%.
- Microgrids use renewable energy sources and ensure reliable power.
The SNRG SmartGrid is that solution.
Contact our Head of Growth, Jeya Sivasubramaniam, on [email protected] to learn how SNRG can support your journey to Net Zero through SmartGrids.
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