Introducing Microgrids: What is a Microgrid?
A Microgrid brings multiple renewable energy sources together. Microgrids have the potential to harness the likes of photovoltaic and wind energy, which can then be harboured in a battery energy storage system (BESS) for future use. The potential of Microgrids UK is huge, and we’re so excited about the positive impact that they can have on the UK’s push towards a greener future and Net Zero.One of the fundamentals of Microgrids is that they can become a localised source of energy for a commercial, industrial, or residential application, and they can disconnect from the main grid to provide a renewable source of energy. The fact that Microgrids can detach from the grid and provide renewable energy means that they are reliable and resilient and is the reason that they’re so highly sought after. Learn more about the role of Microgrids in battery energy storage here.
How do Microgrids work?
Microgrids can draw energy from multiple sources, which is one of their most impressive features. Typically, Microgrids generate energy from solar panels, wind turbines, generators, or a combination of these methods. The most efficient Microgrids then supplement their energy generation with energy storage, to provide an off-grid solution to users.
In most instances, Microgrids are deployed as small-scale solutions, offering multiple forms of renewable energy to a specific location, such as a home, office, transport hub, or industrial warehouse, for example.
The key thing to understand about Microgrids is that they generate energy locally and are not at risk of power outages from centralised grids. Given our climate crisis and the uncertain future of fossil fuels, this is one of the biggest advantages of utilising a Microgrid.
It’s estimated that Microgrids are up to 15% more efficient than traditional energy distribution networks, as they don’t suffer any transmission losses.
At the centre of any Microgrid is intelligent energy management software, which manages and controls the energy that is created, stored, and distributed. The software is also capable of storing power when prices are low and turning to stored energy during peak usage periods. In other words, the management software gets the very best out of the Microgrid technology.
Microgrids UK: Advantages
Microgrids in the UK have drawn a lot of national attention in recent times, due primarily to the incredible advantages that these systems offer to users. Specifically, Microgrids have the following benefits when deployed efficiently:
Grid independence
Microgrids provide a localised source of renewable energy and draw energy from multiple sources. This provides grid independence as there’s zero requirement for the users of Microgrids to connect to a centralised grid to use power.
Improved efficiency
As Microgrids don’t rely on centralised grids, they are much more energy efficient, somewhere in the region of 15%. What’s more, the intelligent management software enables users to increase the energy efficiency of Microgrids even further, ensuring that very little energy is wasted.
Long-term cost savings
Though some people are put off by the initial expense of installing a Microgrid, they undoubtedly pay for themselves over time. As the UK is experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, the fact that you can draw renewable energy from a Microgrid offers huge cost savings long into the future.
Environmentally friendly
Another benefit of Microgrids is that they reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In the UK’s Net Zero campaign, eliminating fossil fuels in the near future is the overarching goal. The energy created by Microgrids is clean and green, providing you with an environmentally friendly solution to the National Grid.
Income generation
Some Microgrids provide income generation opportunities, thanks to grid service contracts. Essentially, this enables you to sell excess energy that a Microgrid creates to the National Grid, offering income that can increase the cost-effectiveness of the system.
Resilience and security
Faced with an uncertain future, Microgrids provide users with energy security and a much greater sense of independence. What’s more, Microgrids with multiple sources of energy are extremely resilient and offer a much better alternative to relying on the centralised grid.
What’s the biggest downside of Microgrids UK?
There’s no doubt that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of Microgrids in the UK. However, the biggest downside to this technology is the cost of installation. The good news is that the cost of installation is likely to decrease in the near future, and AceOn is working on technology (specifically, battery energy storage solutions), which will accelerate the utilisation of Microgrids throughout the UK.
What about ongoing maintenance?
Microgrids require ongoing maintenance to ensure their connectivity and to guarantee their optimal functioning. This is the case with practically any application, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise. However, it’s important to recognise from the outset that such maintenance adds to the cost of the system and is something that you will need to budget for. This is particularly important to consider if your Microgrid draws energy from multiple sources.
How are Microgrids UK used? Examples of Microgrids UK
The beauty of Microgrids is that they can be used in a range of settings to provide reliable and consistent energy throughout the year. Some examples of how Microgrids are used in the UK include:
· Transport hubs – Railway stations are early adopters of Microgrids, and we’re likely to see many stations across the UK install them in the coming years.
· Commercial plants – Commercial sites also see Microgrids as the perfect solution, with their warehouses and fleets requiring a constant supply of energy. As the UK accelerates its move towards electric vehicles, the need for on-site charging at commercial plants will increase, highlighting the important role that Microgrids can play.
· Service stations – One of the biggest challenges facing UK service stations is the increase in electric vehicles. Specifically, how to charge them. Microgrids provide an environmentally friendly solution to service stations and can offer wide-scale car charging without reliance on the grid.·
· Residential – Microgrids can also be used for residential purposes, as they offer a cost-effective solution to affordable housing projects and even high-end new builds.
The key role of battery energy storage in Microgrids
It’s impossible to explore the possibilities of Microgrids without highlighting the role that battery energy storage solutions (BESS) will play. Look at it like this – if you generate surplus energy from multiple renewable sources, you need to store that energy for future use. Otherwise, any surplus is wasted, and the entire system becomes inefficient from a cost and renewability standpoint.
Therefore, the BESS is the glue that holds the entire Microgrid together. When the Microgrid draws energy from multiple sources, it is stored in the BESS. The intelligent energy management software then comes into its own, directing where and how the energy should be used for optimal efficiency.
Keen to learn more about BESS? Learn how battery energy storage is an innovative solution to the climate crisis.
At AceON, we are leading the way for BESS adoption in the UK market and have developed a number of exciting partnerships across multiple sectors to accelerate the use of battery energy storage for improved energy efficiency. Our industrial and residential energy storage solutions are cutting-edge and are reshaping the future direction of renewable energy in the United Kingdom.
Ultimately, without battery energy storage, Microgrids become inefficient and less reliable. As such, the future success of BESS and Microgrids goes hand in hand and we’re excited about the future opportunities that this technology presents.
Find out more about Microgrids UK from AceON Group – Renewable energy experts
The future is bright for Microgrids in the UK. We are already seeing significant strides within the transportation sector, and the likes of universities, healthcare institutions, manufacturers, and industrial units are all likely to benefit from Microgrids sooner rather than later.
AceON Group has created several multi-sector partnerships to deliver BESS projects in the UK, and we are at the forefront of renewable energy technology.
If you’re as excited as we are about the future of Microgrids and BESS, you can reach out and speak to one of our experts about your renewable energy needs.
We are based in Telford and Solihull in the UK and would love to chat about how we can help your business grow by becoming more energy-efficient.
Who is AceON Group?
AceON Group is a Shropshire-based renewable energy firm with 25+ years of experience in the battery industry. Learn more about AceON Group and read through our blog posts to learn more about how we can help your company grow.
Microgrids FAQs
Are Microgrids safe?
Yes, Microgrids are extremely safe. When installed professionally and well maintained, the in-built smart management software enables you to monitor the performance of the Microgrid and ensure that it works optimally for the desired application.
Are Microgrids good for the environment?
Yes, Microgrids are good for the environment. They provide a renewable source of energy and decrease dependence on fossil fuels, making them a green option for multiple applications.
How do Microgrids make money?
Microgrids can make money via grid service contracts. When they create surplus energy, you can sell it to the national grid for a fee.
Can you become energy-independent with a Microgrid?
In theory, you can become energy-independent by utilising a Microgrid. While some Microgrids right now are backed by the Grid, this is likely to change in the future as the technology improves with BESS.
Do Microgrids need BESS?
To operate optimally and to provide energy efficiency, Microgrids require a battery energy storage system. At AceOn, we regard BESS as the glue that holds a Microgrid together, so it’s integral for the successful use of the application.