Meet the Intelligent Microgrid: Where AI, Renewables, and Real-Time Energy Optimisation Converge

Editorial Team

More and more companies are turning to microgrids to supplement, stabilise and save money on their energy requirements. The market is worth nearly $12bn (USD) today and is expected to reach $37bn in the next eight years: it’s growing at a fast CAGR of around 15% for some time to come.

But what exactly is a microgrid, and why are they becoming essential for businesses, cities and industrial sites worldwide?

What is a Microgrid?

A microgrid is a small-scale, localised energy system that can operate independently or in coordination with the main power grid. Think of it as a ‘mini power grid’ serving a specific area, such as a factory, supermarket, port, or city district.

Unlike traditional grids that rely solely on central power plants, microgrids use a mix of distributed energy resources (DERs). DERs are typically smaller, company-owned energy generation and management assets that allow microgrids to sit ‘behind the meter’, substituting or complementing power obtained through national or regional grid networks.

Why do Microgrids matter?

In simple terms, microgrids help you:

• Ensure resilience in the face of power issues. A microgrid ensures businesses can keep the lights on when the main grid fails or power transmission becomes irregular
• Reduce electricity costs by smartly using your own solar or wind generation alongside your own energy storage.
• It can also help avoid any surcharges or fines for energy consumption during peak periods. Owners can store up generated power when the grid is less expensive, then switch to their own stored supplies of energy when costs rise
• Meet net-zero pledges or regulations by prioritizing renewables over fossil fuel sources for energy
• Optimize energy flows with real-time decision-making

Manual vs. Orchestrated Microgrid Management

What makes Univers EnOS™ Microgrid special?

Our own microgrid management offering brings this key AI-orchestration of energy assets and also works with any existing and future hardware. Many microgrid installations have been assembled over time, with solar panels perhaps erected before storage considerations were resolved. It’s thus key that microgrid solutions fit with whatever is installed.

Key Capabilities:

• Real-time monitoring and control of all assets
• Smart dispatch of storage and renewables based on pricing, demand, and weather
• Ability to participate in energy markets (trading, demand response)
• Cloud and on-prem deployment options
• OEM-agnostic: works with almost any DER hardware

Practical Benefits:

• Considerable reduction in grid reliance
• Increased use of solar & storage for cost savings
• Reduced emissions and better energy reporting
• More resilience for critical operations

Real Use Cases:

Read here for further details on these case studies.

Take back power

Microgrids aren’t another technology buzzword—they’re practical, flexible, and increasingly necessary. Whether you’re running a factory, port, or an off-grid site, a microgrid gives you energy independence and efficiency.

Univers EnOS™ Microgrid brings all the parts together with AI-based orchestration, turning complex systems into a smart, automated energy hub.

Find out more about Univers EnOS™ Microgrid

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