The power to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources could rest in the hands of local communities.<\/p>\n
New research suggests decentralized, smart microgrid systems are capable of providing most, if not all, of our future energy needs.<\/p>\n
The Netherlands is pioneering a new approach to generating and sharing energy which could mean neighborhoods of the near future could produce their own renewable power.<\/p>\n
Transitioning our carbon-based economy into a
\ncircular economy is without a doubt the single
\nbiggest challenge of our time. The energy sector
\nplays a crucial role in tackling this challenge. For
\nthis reason, the Dutch government has decided to
\nquintuple renewable power generation by 2030. It is
\na daunting task that requires radical new ways of
\nthinking about our energy system architecture.
\nThanks to recent developments in renewable energy
\ntechnologies such as batteries, heat pumps and
\nsolar panels, it is now possible to produce, convert
\nand store energy locally. As a result, a promising
\nnew concept has emerged in which energy flows
\ncan be balanced at the distribution system level in
\nso-called microgrids. These microgrids have the
\npotential to significantly contribute to the resilience
\nand flexibility of our energy system, as they can
\nfacilitate the large-scale rollout of intermittent
\nrenewable energy technologies without requiring
\nexpensive infrastructure upgrades.<\/p>\n
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