据SBI能源公司的报道，美国军方在微电网项目的军费开支在2010年至2020年间将增长375％。在这一领域总市值预计从2010年的3.3亿美元升至2020年的16亿美元，发电量将从2010年的130MW升至2020年的600MW。由于许多军事基地仍连接到公共电网，也会遭受停电和电能质量差的问题，这将危及基地的安全。在美国和世界其他偏远地区建立微型电网将允许美国军队在最需要的时候，确保有可靠的电力供应。
The world microgrid market reached $4 billion last year with North America claiming 74% of 2010's total industry share, finds market research publisher SBI Energy. Fueled by rapidly growing solar, renewable energy and smart grid markets, the microgrid has become a viable solution to supply energy to local communities. Microgrid installations around the world include everything from diesel generator-based rural electrification projects that supply electricity to small rural communities to large, futuristic cities and theme parks using the newest microgrid technologies.
As U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich of the 1st Congressional District of Mexico says, "Microgrids provide a more secure infrastructure for our military–both here and abroad. Growth in the military microgrid segment will rise by 375% from 2010 to 2020. Total market value in this segment is projected at $1.6 billion in 2020, up from $.33 billion in 2010 and electrical output will increase from .13 GW in 2010 to .60 GW in 2020.
SBI Energy’s latest market study, The World Market for Microgrids, has identified a unique opportunity for marketers at U.S. military bases seeking reliable and secure energy. The majority of U.S. military bases are powered by public electrical grids, which in some instances lead to as many as 300 power outages per year. These interruptions weaken military readiness and security. In the face of a terrorist attack or natural disaster, reliance on conventional energy supplies may be inefficient and may even be detrimental to military functions. Microgrid advantages in this case are clear: in the face of a massive power outage, the microgrid is able to separate from the main utility grid—if it is not already islanded —and keep vital facilities and operations powered.
As U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich of the 1st Congressional District of Mexico says, “Microgrids provide a more secure infrastructure for our military–both here and abroad. Growth in the military microgrid segment will rise by 375% from 2010 to 2020. Total market value in this segment is projected at $1.6 billion in 2020, up from $.33 billion in 2010 and electrical output will increase from .13 GW in 2010 to .60 GW in 2020.
As the microgrid expands its realm of operations in commercial, military and industrial segments, the costs associated with implementation are decreasing. Installation price can vary wildly depending on a number of factors–including the size, scope and technological advancement of a specific project. From solar–hybrid implementations in small remote villages to giant undertakings such as the $4 billion Crystal Island project, the future will become less individualized and more mass, factory built–greatly reducing costs associated with implementing a microgrid.