ABSTRACT
Chapter 6 links microgrids to renewable energy solutions as distribution-scale technology options. How are renewables linked to microgrids? Alternative and renewable energies refer to electricity or heat generated from renewable sources plus energy substitutes and various conservation methodologies. Renewable energy resources have important policy, environmental, and economic impacts. They can be developed to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a sustainable manner and this is often cited as a driver for microgrid applications. Technology options for distributed generation include small hydropower, biomass energy, landfill gas extraction, geothermal energy, wind power, hydrogen fuel cells, solar thermal, and photovoltaics. Each is explored in the context of microgrid applications. All can be used to provide electrical generation for microgrids. The costs of renewable generation have been declining which opens new markets and provides increasing opportunities for deployment.
