Drivers of microgrid projects in developed and developing economies

• Published in: Utilities policy Vol. 80; p. 101487
• Main Authors: Onu, Uchenna Godswill, Zambroni de Souza, Antonio Carlos, Bonatto, Benedito Donizeti
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2023
• Subjects: Energy access; Microgrids; Poverty mitigation and economic sustainability; Energy access; Poverty mitigation and economic sustainability; Microgrids
• ISSN: 0957-1787; 1878-4356
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2022.101487

This paper studies microgrid projects in developed and developing economies. In developed economies, the interest in microgrids is driven by the objectives of energy security, resilience, and democracy and emissions reduction. In developing economies, the key driver is expanding energy access. First, an industrial hybrid resource grid-connected microgrid was simulated in a developed economy using HOMER software, with good results from increased renewable energy penetration. The economic impact of energy access in a cassava root-based rural community of a developing economy was assessed. The results show improved income for the community. •We reviewed microgrids implementation in developed and developing economies.•Energy access drive microgrid implementation in developing economies.•Energy resilience, reliability, democracy, decarbonization are drivers in developed economies.•Microgrids implementation supports rapid economic development.