Microgrids Aren’t What They Used To Be

In this insightful episode of the Energy Changemakers Podcast, Elisa Wood is joined by industry experts Lisa Cohn and Peter Asmus to explore the dynamic world of microgrids. They trace the evolution of microgrids from niche solutions for remote areas to vital tools for resilience in a world facing rising energy demands, data center expansion, and climate uncertainty.

Lisa and Peter share their extensive experience in the field, discussing how microgrids have evolved from basic solar-plus-storage setups to complex, multi-resource systems that integrate fuel cells, hydro, data centers, and even artificial intelligence. They dive into how microgrids are transforming industries, from agriculture in Oregon to energy resilience in Alaska.

Host: Elisa Wood, founder of Energy ChangemakersGuests:

Key topics include:

• The origins of microgrids and how Superstorm Sandy propelled them into the spotlight.

• The critical role of microgrids in data center resilience.

• Innovative microgrid projects, including Blue Lake Rancheria, Cordova, and Kodiak Island.

• Why data centers are now leading microgrid adoption.

• The impact of tariffs and regulatory uncertainty on microgrid growth.

• The future of microgrids as a solution for energy resilience and decentralized power.

Whether you’re a seasoned energy professional or simply curious about how microgrids work, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the past, present, and future of this transformative technology.

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