Microgrid Demonstration Project Progress

How does government support microgrids?

Support for microgrids comes from research and development (R&D) programs at federal and state levels, software and tools, grants and funding support to incentivize demonstration projects, and tax and financial incentives for the installation of distributed energy,,, .

Where does microgrid development take place?

While the federal programs described above were the main engine of early U.S. microgrid research and development, there has always been significant activity at the state and local levels—often arising from self-generation projects, typically at large commercial, campus, medical, or industrial sites.

What is a microgrid system?

Microgrids are electricity distribution systems containing loads and distributed energy resources (such as distributed generators, storage devices, or controllable loads,) that can be operated in a controlled, coordinated way either while connected to the main power network or while islanded.

Why are microgrids becoming more popular in the United States?

Microgrids have become increasingly popular in the United States. About 34% of the world's microgrid projects are located in the United States and North America area – drivers for this fast growth could include the country's aging electricity megagrid and end-use customers' increasing desire for greater security and reliability .