Microgrids: power systems for the 21st century?

Microgrids – de-centralised electricity generation combined with on-site production of heat - bear the promise of substantial environmental benefits, brought about by higher energy efficiency and by facilitating the integration of renewable sources such as photovoltaic arrays or wind turbines. With the use of modern control technologies, microgrids can achieve a good match between generation and load, resulting in a low impact on the electricity network despite a potentially significant level of generation by intermittent energy sources. Tom Markvart, University of Southampton, UK reports