Microgrids have always been hard to define succinctly because they are not really just one thing. They can morph to serve a variety of energy needs.
After Superstorm Sandy caused massive power outages on the East Coast in 2012, microgrids emerged as an energy reliability play. Businesses, institutions and communities installed them to ensure their power would continue to flow no matter what the weather.
That’s still a key attribute. But they’ve evolved into much more — a way to stabilize energy costs, generate revenue, reduce emissions, secure local energy control, improve grid stability and serve the United States’ growing appetite for energy born from AI development and electrification.
Veteran microgrid writers Lisa Cohn and Peter Asmus join me in this episode of the Energy Changemakers Podcast to trace the evolution of microgrids and explore the role they play in today’s society.
Lisa and Peter share their extensive experience in the field, discussing how microgrids have evolved from basic solar-plus-storage setups to complex, multi-resource systems that integrate fuel cells, hydro, data centers and even artificial intelligence. They dive into how microgrids are transforming industries, from agriculture in Oregon to energy resilience in Alaska.
Listen to: Microgrids Aren’t What They Used To Be
Host: Elisa Wood, founder of Energy Changemakers
Guests:
Lisa Cohn: Co-founder of Microgrid Knowledge and founder of CleanEnergyWriters.com
Peter Asmus: President of Pathfinder’s Communications and Senior Advisor of Clara Advisory
Key topics include:
- The origins of microgrids and how Superstorm Sandy propelled them into the spotlight.
- The critical role of microgrids in data center resilience.
- Innovative microgrid projects, including Blue Lake Rancheria, Cordova and Kodiak Island.
- Why data centers are now leading microgrid adoption.
- The impact of tariffs and regulatory uncertainty on microgrid growth.
- The future of microgrids as a solution for energy resilience and decentralized power.
Whether you’re a seasoned energy professional or simply curious about how microgrids work, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the past, present and future of this transformative technology.
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Check Out Energy Changemakers’ new publication: Microgrids Now.