As a decentralised source of energy, microgrids have great value to offer rural communities and neighbourhoods, particularly in circumstances where connection to the national grid is unfeasible or undesired. These systems typically incorporate (clean) energy technologies such (rooftop) solar PV panels, electric vehicles, heat pumps and batteries for energy storage. Following data gathered from case studies in the Netherlands, it is projected that microgrid systems could supply up to 90% of a neighbourhood’s energy demand, and become a key factor in the country’s transition to a sustainable power system. In addition, the use of Smart Integrated Decentralized Energy (SIDE) systems to balance local energy supply and demand could become an integral component of future microgrid solutions. Read more about the innovative use of microgrids in the Netherlands here!