IDEAS Insights Strengthening Energy Reliability | Page 6

Even established infrastructure in developed countries may benefit from micro-grids.
Consider the USA, where over 160 micro-grids have been constructed, one of which
was used in Texas during Hurricane Harvey to maintain energy supplies to local
hospitals. [12] Similar projects are starting up around the world as countries now try to
move towards renewable energy sources.
One of the drawbacks of renewables is the inconsistent nature of their energy
production (e.g. solar panels stop producing electricity at night). Since historically there
has been no effective means of storing energy on large scales, this has been a
significant barrier to implementing renewables into nationwide grids. Battery power
working alongside micro-grid technology can store energy to be used on a local scale
and reduce the reliance on centralised electricity production in power plants.
India seeks to integrate renewables, such as this wind farm in Rajasthan, into its national grid.
19 th August 2007. Picture: Saravask/Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-2.0)
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