Mini-Grids: A Global Trend Towards Off-Grid Energy Supply? September 30, 2010

This event will focus on mini-grids that are fast becoming a global trend. There are three long-term trends in smart grids buildout around the world:

- Centralized energy supply with large new - and expensive - grids
- Decentralized and distributed energy supply, in which consumers and enterprises generate their own electricity
- Micro-grids, completely off-grid, serving remote houses

In regions without or with weak electrical systems as well as in regions with expensive grids serving relatively scattered consumers, mini-grids based on renewable energy sources constitute a viable option. These mini-grids function as laboratories for testing technological, social, regulatory, and commercial aspects that can be transferred and re-applied across the globe. The resulting model of the grid competes with centralized energy supply models.

This panel will explore a pilot project in Berlin in the context of mini-grids worldwide, specifically experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area where planning for a mini-grid in Marin County is under way, but also experiments in other parts of the world.

Topics:
- Learnings from different experiments across regions
- Competitiveness of mini-grids under stimulus packages and beyond
- Mini-grids as a factor of regional economic development
- Technological problems to be solved (energy generating control, grid management, integration of smart grids, energy demand management)
- Challenges for local project development
- Entrepreneurial white space and commercial opportunities for startups and blue-chip enterprises

Speakers:
- Dr. Burkhard Koch, Managing Director, IQ International Consulting
- Sameer Kalra, Director, Smart Grid Product Strategy, at SmartSynch
- Board Member from Marin Energy Authority (TBD)
Moderator:
- Dr. Olaf Groth, Senior Principal and Project Leader at Monitor 360
Complimentary appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks will be served.

Official Website: http://www.gaba-network.org