It’s pretty clear from the name of this site that we like microgrids. In fact, we see microgrids as the next big play in the world’s clean energy transformation. We’ve launched MicrogridKnowledge.com to both track and encourage the rise of this extraordinary technology. It’s not often that an energy system comes along that offers so much universal benefit. Microgrids
are helping rural African communities rise out of poverty, while at the same time bolstering the work of some of the world’s most sophisticated research universities and data centers in the United States. Today’s microgrids are the culmination of the energy improvements and innovation of the last 30 years. Consider what they include – most of clean energy’s most valuable technologies – renewables, combined heat and power, district energy, smart grid software and systems management, energy storage, energy efficiency and demand response. It’s easy to see why microgrids are attractive to business eco parks and other green-minded enterprises. Perhaps most interesting, they can keep the lights on when the central grid goes down, as US microgrids so expertly proved during Superstorm Sandy. We all know how crucial reliable electricity is for an economy that runs on the Internet. That’s why the military, police, hospitals and supermarkets increasingly install microgrids. But they’re also good to have around the rest of the time too. They can connect or disconnect from the central grid. And when they are connected, microgrids can supply services to utilities – such as voltage control and demand response. What’s the future for microgrids? Just as home buyers and businesses now check out the quality of schools, roads and parks before they move into an area, they will someday be asking real estate agents: “Is there a microgrid in the neighborhood?”
But there are a lot of microgrids to be developed before we get there. We look forward to following and fostering the progress. Please explore our site and read our articles. We work hard to provide useful information in a style that informs, entertains and intrigues. And please join the conversation. Here are some ways you can do so. Contribute articles to our “Perspectives” channel
Participate in our white paper/reports program
Advertise on our site
We also welcome you to join our LinkedIn Group, MicrogridKnowledge. And follow us on Twitter or tweet to @MicrogridNews
Here is a little more about us. Elisa Wood, Editor-in-Chief
Please email story ideas to [email protected]. My writing has been picked up by CNN, the New York Times, Reuters, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal Online, the Washington Post and hundreds of other sites. I started reporting on energy more than two decades ago for McGraw-Hill/Platts. Since then, I’ve also written for Bloomsbury, Renewable Energy World, Power Engineering International, Public Power Magazine, Cogeneration and Onsite Power Production Magazine, among others. I have won awards from the New England Press Association, the Iowa Press Association, and the National Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. I also serve as Editor of Microgrid Knowledge’s sister site, EnergyEfficiencyMarkets.com
Twitter: @ElisaWood
LinkedIn: Elisa Wood
Kevin Normandeau, Publisher
I focus on the business side of Microgrid Knowledge, helping sponsors who want to make their products known to microgrid prospects, utilities, project developers, vendors and thought leaders. Contact me for information about advertising opportunities and white paper syndication on Microgrid Knowledge. I also manage our content publishing program, and work with energy industry events and associations looking for partnerships. You can reach me at [email protected]. My background is in technology and business-to-business publishing, I have worked with companies like PC World, AOL, and Network World. I also act as publisher of Microgrid Knowledge’s sister site, EnergyEfficiencyMarkets.com. I was drawn to the energy efficiency industry while running the business and marketing operations for Data Center Knowledge, an online publication serving the data center industry. Twitter: Kevin@knormand
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-normandeau/0/2ab/5ba/
Lisa Cohn, Editor
I focus on the West Coast and Midwest. Email me at [email protected]
I’m the voice behind the popular Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast. As the host, I love talking to you and discussing your opinions, analysis, strategies and news. I’ve been focusing on energy for more than 20 years, and my stories have appeared in EnergyBiz, SNL Financial, Mother Earth News, Natural Home Magazine, Horizon Air Magazine, Oregon Business, Open Spaces, the Portland Tribune, The Oregonian, Renewable Energy World, Windpower Monthly and other publications. I’m also a former stringer for the Platts/Mc-Graw-Hill energy publications. I began my career covering energy and environment for The Cape Cod Times, where Elisa Wood also was a reporter. I’ve received numerous writing awards from national, regional and local organizations, including Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Willamette Writers, Associated Oregon Industries, and the Voice of Youth Advocates. I first became interested in energy as a student at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, where I helped design and build a solar house. Twitter: @LisaECohn
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lisaellencohn/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnergyEfficiencyInsights
