Expanding Military Interest In Microgrid Technology Fuels $4 Billion Industry, Reveals SBI Energy

Online, January 28, 2011 (Newswire.com) - 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.

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.

"The World Market for Microgrids" provides an in-depth analysis of the economic drivers and challenges and key social and political factors facing the microgrid industry. The market study also reports historical market and growth in dollars (2006 - 2010), broken down into five market segments, as well as future forecast data through 2020. Furthermore, a new chapter segment featured in all 2011 reports examines the current and upcoming employment opportunities that will be created as microgrid manufacturing and installations ramp up. Microgrid activity around the world, including information on the overall electricity situation and specific microgrid projects, is examined, as are the company strategies of 15 leading industry manufactures and new technologies. For more information, please visit: http://www.sbireports.com/Microgrids-2835891/.