Government and Military Smart Grids and Microgrids Symposium

DoD and DOE – Leading the Way in Developing Smart Energy Grids and Microgrids 

The world microgrid market topped $4 billion in 2010, and according to a recent Congressional study the military microgrid market alone is projected to increase by 375% from 2010-2020. Microgrids, localized groupings of power generation, storage and load management units, can operate, if necessary or by design, independently from the larger power grid. Because of their size and flexibility, they are able to incorporate alternative sources of energy more easily and promise to provide increased reliability and security, critically important for both military installations (fixed and mobile) and for homeland security/the national power grid. Emerging “smart grid” technologies, including advanced metering, transmission efficiencies, smart switches, enhanced demand response capabilities, distribution automation, energy management systems, electric vehicle integration, microelectronics, integrated communication systems and others, may pave the way for the creation of “intelligent,” self-managing energy grids.

This outstanding conference brings together the key planners and technical experts who are leading the way in developing military smart and microgrid systems. 

• What role do smart grids and microgrids play in OSD and Service energy strategies and acquisition plans? 
• What is the status of government smart grid and microgrid initiatives and pilot projects? 
• How do fixed-site vs. mobile requirements differ? 
• What are the emerging lessons learned in tactical deployments? 
• How do OSD and Service plans and developments intersect with DOE plans and US national smart grid strategy? 
• What are the cybersecurity challenges for smart and microgrids? 
• What role will renewable energies play? 
• What is the status and forecast for critical smart grid technologies?