Role of smart microgrid in a perfect power system

The demand for clean, reliable power is greater than ever. Global energy production is expected to increase 77% by 2030, and pending new demands for power from computers, communication systems, and electric vehicles threaten our outdated electric grid. The need for an effective, reliable and efficient means to deliver that new energy to meet new demands is near-critical. In addition, alarming issues related to global warming, uncertain gas prices, security of fossil fuel imports, and power blackouts have sparked additional interests in renewable energy to ensure that the electricity sector will continue to provide reliable and affordable energy to its customers. The integration of renewable supply into the electricity grid would enhance the social sustainability of energy infrastructure. However, such integration could inevitably result in a new electric supply risk on a significantly large scale associated with the security of the supply infrastructure. In such cases, microgrids which are fueled by renewable energy sources and managed by smart grid and a series of smart sensors could offer a perfect power system with higher reliabilities which would guide customers to lower their costs and utilize electricity more efficiently. The task of improving the efficiency and upgrading the resiliency of the electric grid, in order to support clean and renewable energy, is one we cannot let be exported or delegated overseas.