Canary Media | Covering the clean energy transition

665 Results

ENN

At an Illinois gym, a new chapter in the Tesla vs. Edison battle

More than 100 years after alternating current became the standard for electricity transmission, direct current is enjoying a revival of sorts at an Illinois Institute of Technology project.

By David J. Unger . 22 August 2016
ENN

In Chicago neighborhood, guarded optimism about microgrid

Local leaders and many residents say they like the idea of nurturing clean energy technology in Bronzeville, and hope a planned microgrid can be a springboard for related community-driven projects.

By Kari Lydersen . 23 February 2017
ENN

Resilience is military’s new energy focus. Will it bear fruit in North Carolina?

A recent forum in North Carolina explored ways the state's military facilities can be incubators for advanced grid technology.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 2 November 2017
ENN

How batteries could replace the need for some backup transmission lines

Utilities are testing batteries and other “non-wires alternatives” to power lines for bolstering grid resilience.

By Kevin Stark . 15 November 2018
ENN

Wild winter weather in Illinois presses the case for microgrid development

As climate change brings more frequent extreme weather to the Midwest, the resiliency case for microgrids improves.

By Kevin Stark . 13 December 2018
ENN

Advocates want next phase of ComEd microgrid powered by renewables

Unlike the first phase, ComEd isn’t legally obligated to use renewables, but the company says it will seriously consider them as it reviews proposals.

By David Thill . 23 May 2019
ENN

State, federal funding fuels expansion of Minnesota microgrid research center

The University of St. Thomas’ Center for Microgrid Research recently won a $7.5 million state legislative appropriation and $11 million in federal defense bill earmarks to help it expand.

By Frank Jossi . 20 September 2023
ENN

Microgrid model spreads in Massachusetts as cities look to lessen costs, outages

Chelsea and Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood are moving forward with microgrid projects that supporters hope will be case studies for others to follow.

By Sarah Shemkus . 21 November 2023
Grid edge

Why vertical farms could be the next big microgrid market

Building on-site power supplies is one way plant factories can manage their hefty electricity bills. Playing them into grid markets is another.

By Jeff St. John . 21 July 2021
Solar

How to hurricane-proof a solar plant

PV arrays and microgrids on islands need to stand up to storms supercharged by climate change.

By Kiernan Dunlop . 27 August 2021