One of the key challenges facing microgrids in remote, rural, and off-grid environments is a viable business model that is replicable and will attract investors. Although each situation is unique, achieving this kind of template will help enable microgrids to serve the 1.6 billion people on the planet who currently do not have access to power. In addition, business models for systems in grid-connected environments are also at a crucial point of evolution.
Identifying these business models and clarifying their requirements is one of the main objectives of the Microgrid Global Innovation Forum, September 16-17, 2015 in Barcelona. Organized by the Smart Grid Observer, the two-day event will gather microgrid experts from around the world for sharing of case study data and lessons learned in optimizing the design of hybrid, renewable energy systems in a variety of environments.
“We propose that microgrids, combined with ancillary resource production, are the only scaleable and affordable renewable energy infrastructure solution that will truly solve energy poverty, “ states RVE.SOL, one of the companies presenting at the Forum, in the overview for its session. “This inspiring space of decentralized, self-contained energy hubs promises to not only offer cost-effective alternatives to fossil fuel use by poor consumers, but also provide governments, NGOs and other microgrid developers an investment vehicle yielding a healthy return on investment in a reasonable amount of time.”
RVE.SOL's sesson is just one of several on the program agenda that will examine technology advances and business challenges surrounding sustainable energy access and provisioning at the base of the energy pyramid -- generation, distribution, reliability and payment.
“This will be a unique opportunity for microgrid professionals to come together and share deployment experiences and best practices,” says Daniel Coran, Forum manager. “Our goal is to provide an industry-open, technology-neutral conference in which project managers and planners can benefit from each other’s expertise and advance the potential of microgrids worldwide.”
Other presenting organizations at the Forum include ČEZ Distribuce, ERDF, Win Inertia, SunEdison, Navigant Consulting, Trama TecnoAmbiental, CENER-CIEMAT, Gildemeister Energy Solutions, Aalborg University, ABB, the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC), the Alliance for Rural Electrification, SMA Ibérica Tecnología Solar, QiDO Energy Development GmbH, Smart Hydro Power, Aquion Energy, CPG Advisors, Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI), Hatch Electro-Technologies, Boeing Research & Technology Europe, Tecnalia Research & Innovation, and others.
Topics to be addressed at the Forum include:
* Sustainability and innovation trends for microgrids
* System design, modeling, forecasting, and implementation
* Energy storage innovation and advances for microgrid applications
* Developing world case studies
* Optimizing microgrid performance and renewables integration
* Power planning, control and management in microgrid systems
* Integration and operation of flow batteries in micro- and macrogrids
* Flywheel-based microgrids
* Stabilizing small isolated grids
* Solar PV integration in large genset grids
* Hydrokinetic turbines for microgrids in remote areas
* Recent market trends, opportunities, and challenges
* Lessons learned from key deployments around the world
For full program information and to register, visit www.microgridinnovation.com or contact Daniel Coran at +1-815-310-3343, info@smartgridobserver.com
Contact
Daniel Coran
info@smartgridobserver.com
