Community-owned solar microgrids are a great way to enhance the independence of communities that live in harsh climates. This model of ownership presents an accessible way to ensure energy security in rural areas and cities around the world. A great example of community-owned solar microgrids in action comes from Puerto Rico's Casa Pueblo group. Residents of the island have embraced the deep and meaningful connections among to community "to create local buy-in and make it an equitable transition."
The community-owned microgrid project, which is framed as a grassroots movement, will certainly add some resiliency to residents of Puerto Rico amid fossil fuel extraction and major climate events like Hurricane Maria which "damaged 80% of Puerto Rico's power grid."
Community-Owned Solar Microgrids
This Microgrid Project Helps Build Energy Security in Puerto Rico
Trend Themes
1. Community-owned Solar Microgrids - This trend presents disruptive innovation opportunities for energy companies and startups to create accessible and affordable solar microgrids for rural and urban areas worldwide.
2. Grassroots Microgrid Initiatives - This trend presents disruptive innovation opportunities for community organizations, governments, and startups to collaborate on developing sustainable and resilient microgrid initiatives.
3. Localized Energy Production - This trend presents disruptive innovation opportunities for energy companies and startups to create localized energy production solutions that enhance community independence and energy security.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry can leverage this trend to develop and market community-owned solar microgrid solutions that offer affordable and accessible energy options for rural and urban areas.
2. Community Development - The community development industry can leverage this trend to create localized energy solutions that enhance community independence and resilience while also fostering community engagement and collaboration.
3. Technology Startups - Technology startups can leverage this trend to develop innovative solutions for localized and accessible energy production and distribution, utilizing advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain.