Multi-energy microgrids

Enable flexibility and self-powering solutions by using renewable energy

 

Microgrids come in two main varieties: those connected to the main grid, and isolated microgrids. Integrating renewable energy is a priority for both types of microgrids. For microgrids connected to the main grid, greater flexibility is crucial, as it will enable local management of fluctuating renewable energy production, reduce energy spending, and help make communities more energy-independent.  On a larger scale, flexibility can help main grids compensate for intermittent renewable energy supplies. The EU encourages distribution system operators to leverage the flexibility provided by prosumers (individuals and businesses that both produce and consume energy). Isolated microgrids are found in environments like islands and rural areas. Renewable energy has a major role to play in these grids, enabling them to deliver clean, affordable energy while reducing dependency on fossil-based energy. These microgrids also constitute a major societal challenge, one that will bring export opportunities for the technologies supported by the cluster. 

 

Tenerrdis’ 2022 objectives

Tenerrdis has set the objective of becoming a leader on the economic, social, and industrial frameworks related to microgrids and, in the process, facilitating the expansion of renewable energy.

 

key challenges adressed by tenerrdis

Microgrids respond to a variety of challenges:

 

INCENTIVE-BASED PUBLIC POLICIES

Europe

The EU encourages distribution system operators to leverage the flexibility offered by prosumers. This flexibility can help operators limit or postpone capital expenditures—which ultimately come out of taxpayers’ pockets.

 

France

At the national level, microgrids have been identified by the National Council for Industry’s working groups on New Energy Systems as a foundational issue.  The working group on microgrids has established the objective of developing exportable microgrid-type solutions, evidence of the international relevance of this Strategic Focus Area.

 

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region

At the regional level, one of the pillars of the region’s energy strategy is to support communities in their efforts to reduce energy consumption, implement renewable energy, and initiate local energy harvesting projects.  Several electricity-related authorities are investigating the renewal of their contracts with grid operators. The region is working closely with energy agency Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Energie Environnement, which has close relationships with local communities and which is involved in several EU microgrid projects.

 

project focus

Collaborative R&D project GreenLys, which was set up to build a city-scaled smart-grid demonstrator, is just one example of the issues inherent to microgrids. The more recent GREAT (GREnoble Alps Together) project takes advantage of the sharing economy to promote the ecological, energy, and digital transitions at the local level.