Okuzeka
Energy & Renewables vocabulary · Grid, Transmission and Distribution

Microgrid

Meaning in energy & renewables, with examples

/ˈmaɪkroʊɡrɪd/nounAdvanced term

In energy & renewables, microgrid means: A small local power network, for example on a campus, island or industrial site, with its own generation and storage, that can run connected to the main grid or on its own.

In Turkish: mikro şebeke

How it is used

Used in resilience, island and campus projects. During a grid outage a microgrid can island (disconnect and keep running) and reconnect afterwards. Typical parts are solar panels, batteries, generators and a microgrid controller.

Example sentences

  1. The hospital's microgrid kept the lights on during the storm.

  2. On the island, a microgrid of solar, wind and batteries replaced most diesel generation.

Common collocations

  • microgrid controller
  • island mode
  • campus microgrid
  • build a microgrid
  • off-gridNot connected to the main electricity network, so that power comes from local sources such as solar panels, batteries or a diesel generator.
  • smart gridA power network that uses digital sensors, communication and automation to monitor and control electricity flows, making the grid more efficient and flexible.
  • battery storageStoring electricity in large rechargeable batteries so it can be released later, for example during the evening peak or when the grid needs fast support.
  • distribution networkThe lower-voltage part of the power system that takes electricity from substations and delivers it through local lines and cables to homes and businesses.

More terms: Grid, Transmission and Distribution

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: