A Six Step Methodology for Developing a Community Microgrid [WEBINAR] - 10/15/15

A Six Step Methodology for Developing a Community Microgrid [WEBINAR] - 10/15/15

by Greg Thomson · View the channel on PSI

Applied Sciences & Engineering Energy THEnergy technology and engineeringTHYEnergy, power generation, distribution and storage
🎙 Greg Thomson 👥 249 📅 November 12, 2015 ⏱ 64 min 👁 373 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-10-10
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

microgridrenewable energysolarDER optimizationgrid resilience

Summary

This webinar, presented by Greg Thomson from the Clean Coalition, outlines a six-step methodology for developing community microgrids. The presentation begins with an overview of community microgrids, highlighting their benefits in achieving scalable, cost-effective local renewable energy deployment. It contrasts traditional single-customer microgrids with community microgrids that serve thousands of customers across a defined grid area. The methodology includes: setting goals, conducting baseline grid analysis, performing renewable energy siting surveys, optimizing distributed energy resources (DER) through modeling and portfolio design, conducting economic analysis, and developing a deployment plan. The speaker emphasizes the importance of leveraging existing grid infrastructure, using advanced inverters, and integrating storage and demand response to increase renewable penetration to 25-50% of annual energy. He provides examples from California, including a solar siting survey for Southern California Edison and contributions to the California Public Utilities Commission’s Distribution Resources Planning. The presentation argues that community microgrids represent a ’local is fundamental’ approach akin to Henry Ford’s assembly line, enabling scale and cost reductions. The overall message is that community microgrids offer a practical path to modernize the grid, improve resilience, and increase renewable energy adoption.

186 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides a well-structured and coherent argument for community microgrids as a superior approach to integrating renewable energy. The presenter supports his claims with a clear conceptual framework, analogies (e.g., assembly line), and real-world examples. However, the argumentation relies heavily on qualitative reasoning and expert opinion rather than quantitative data or peer-reviewed studies. The cost-effectiveness claims are plausible but not rigorously backed with specific numbers or external references. The step-by-step methodology is practical and actionable, contributing to the video’s value for planners and policy-makers. Nevertheless, the lack of detailed case study results or independent validation weakens the overall persuasiveness. The speaker admits some steps are simplified but provides enough detail to convey the process.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The presentation is based on the presenter’s expertise and the Clean Coalition’s own research, including a solar siting survey and participation in regulatory proceedings. The only direct source referenced is a document link in the video description providing slides. The title accurately indicates the content is a methodological guide. The video does not cite external studies or data, which limits its rigor; however, the methodology aligns with industry trends such as distribution resource planning. The use of specific examples (e.g., Southern California Edison) adds credibility, but the lack of formal citations prevents a full assessment of reliability. Overall, the title is appropriate, and the content is internally consistent but would benefit from more transparent sourcing.

245 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content: it indeed presents a six-step methodology for developing community microgrids.

Quality & Reliability

7/10

The content comes from a recognized expert and credible non-profit organization, but lacks external citations and detailed quantitative data.

Cited Sources

  • A Six Step Methodology for Developing a Community Microgrid - Resources

Contribution & Novelties

The video offers a structured, replicable methodology for community microgrid development, which is more comprehensive than typical single-site microgrid approaches. It introduces the concept of local capacity targets and emphasizes the use of existing grid infrastructure to minimize costs, aligning with contemporary distribution planning. The ’local is fundamental’ analogy and the assembly-line comparison provide a memorable framing for scaling renewables.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • A Six Step Methodology for Developing a Community Microgrid - Resources — Slide deck and further details.
  • Distribution Resources Planning (DRP) — concept discussed in relation to California utilities; relates to integrating DERs at scale.
  • Distributed Energy Resources (DER) optimization — technical approach to maximizing grid value of local energy assets.

116 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high information quantity (8) and moderate quality (7), with technical level at 6 and global reliability at 7. This indicates a content-rich but not deeply technical or heavily cited presentation, suitable for informed audiences.

Reliability 7/10