Ep 45: Embracing Microgrids in Commercial and Industrial Settings - Our Talk with Author and Energy Analyst Peter Asmus

Renewable Rides

Today, Peter Asmus, an energy analyst and expert, joins the show to discuss the rise of distributed energy resources (DERs) and microgrids. You'll learn about the importance of resilience in the energy sector and why utilities are becoming less opposed to microgrids. He also explains the impact of California wildfires on the popularity of microgrids and the necessity of standardized microgrids for large-scale deployment.
Listen in as Peter describes the complexities and misconceptions surrounding batteries and their role in energy systems. He shares exciting details about his current project on Alaska's energy innovation and the measures needed to tackle the climate crisis there. You'll also hear why being proactive with your energy is crucial for business owners and how microgrids can provide cost savings, resilience, and sustainability.
What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• Peter's career from journalist to analyst in the energy sector.
• The importance and implementation of distributed energy resources and microgrids.
• The resilience and reliability challenges in the energy industry.
• The importance of being prepared as a business owner.
• Why it is better to be proactive with your energy rather than reactive.
• Why microgrids are more approachable than what they seem.
• The challenges of microgrids, especially in areas affected by natural disasters.
• Peter's current project on Alaska's energy innovation and solutions for climate crisis improvement.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• "Originally, utilities would barely pay attention to solar PV installations because they were so small, and there were so few of them. They wouldn't even include it in the planning. Fast forward to now, if you don't pay attention to DERS, you’re going to have some major problems." - Peter Asmus
• "Commercial and industrial customers are probably the fastest growing market, mainly because we've had so many power outages. And one of the challenges with micro is, right now, there is not an established value for resilience." - Peter Asmus
• "The battery prices have gone down so much, so you don't have to choose between cost savings and resilience and even sustainability nowadays through a microgrid or other system." - Peter Asmus

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Peter Asmus: Website | LinkedIn
• Introduction to Energy in California by Peter Asmus
• Reaping the Wind by Peter Asmus
• Reinventing Electric Utilities by Peter Asmus
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/fszzsdac