GEMM September Newsletter
- Pragatie
- Sep 21
- 3 min read
Keeping you up-to-date on the latest in renewable energy and sustainability.
Welcome to the September edition of the GEMM Energy Monthly Newsletter. We aim to bring you the latest in renewable energy advancements, highlight sustainability efforts, showcase GEMM's current projects, and provide valuable insights for a brighter, more sustainable future.
The soaring energy costs locally and around the world is no surprise. This is caused by multiple factors including, but not limited to aging infrastructure, rate and tax hikes on energy, and extreme weather circumstances. Helpful things like unplugging appliances, turning off lights, and adjusting the thermostat will make a dent in energy use. However, if someone is looking for long-term relief – a GEMM Energy Masterplan is the first step in major energy savings. GEMM seeks smarter energy use, more stable service and long-term savings for our clients.
GEMM considers all avenues when developing an energy master plan for our clients. In this month’s issue of the newsletter, let’s take a look at one of the solutions gaining traction here and around the world:
MICROGRIDS
Alaska Leads the Charge in Microgrid Innovation:
Alaska has over 200 microgrids already in operation. Thanks to an $8 million boost from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), rural towns across the state are looking at a future with smarter, cleaner, and more reliable microgrids.
The funding—part of the DOE’s Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership (C-MAP). The hope is that C-MAP will create a replicable model for other rural communities throughout the United States.
Some of the things included in Alaska’s microgrids are:
Solar and battery storage in off-grid villages
Upgrades to aging diesel systems in places like Nome and Naknek
Modern control systems to keep the lights on when the weather’s rough
Training and local job creation, so communities can build and maintain their own energy systems
Some of these projects are expected to save up to $450,000 a year.
Microgrid-as-a-Service (MaaS)
With companies like Tesla and Siemens leading the way, Maas is gaining traction throughout the world. Las year this market was valued around $3.5 billion, it’s expected to be over $8 billion in 2030.
This is a model where the a third-arty designs, finances, installs and operates a microgrid for a customer. The energy is used is paid for in a manner similar to a utility bill. The customer benefits from stabilized energy costs and predict.
Valued at $3.56B in 2024 and set to hit $8.84B by 2030, this market is growing fast.
Why? Because MaaS makes energy smarter, greener, and more resilient by avoiding the volatility of traditional energy markets.
This is a solution that is often powered by renewable energy that can keep hospitals and data centers up and running even in the midst of outages. However, the current MaaS system lacks standards, and complex regulations will slow project development.
Pittsburgh Airport
Did you know a microgrid went live at the Pittsburgh Airport?
Blue Sky News (BlueSkyPit.com) reports that a microgrid went live in 2021. Their article from December 18, 20023 reports that carbon emissions were reduced regionally by approximately 6 million pounds in 2022. They also reported saving at least 1.5 million a year in utility costs.
Stay connected
We're excited to continue this journey with you, by sharing news and insights on sustainability and progressing our path toward a better future. Stay tuned for our newsletter next month.
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