This paper details some of the solutions that could address the challenges faced by the industry. The paper not only discusses the concept of “Microgrids” but also introduces new concepts of “Webs” and “Green Loads”.

Microgrid - A network comprising of a combination of connected generation, energy storage and loads. The network capacity being sufficient to address its internal power stability and quality requirements.

Web - A Microgrid further enhanced to function as a communications and social logistics hub.The logistical hub comprises of the entire supply chain with the flow of information, planning for the delivery of goods, information and other resources, including energy and people, between the point of origin and the point of consumption. The fabric of an efficient logistical system is communications.

Web Interconnectors - Suitably sized connections/channels to address transfer of power and communications between Webs.

Green Loads - Loads that have the flexibility of being served by intermittent power sources and are not dependent on a 24 hour electricity supply.

Some of the technologies that can facilitate the formation of “Interconnected Webs” include

Wide Area Monitoring Systems, Smart Grids and Advanced Metering Systems. These are briefly discussed in the paper.

It is now possible to divide grids, that are historically prone to cascading failure at a massive scale, into connected “microgrids,” which take advantage of scale, but can still motor along independently if there is a problem elsewhere in the system.

In the foreseeable future, grid connected microgrids are likely to develop and operate similarly to embedded networks where consumers within these networks can be managed as dispatchable units with optimised power exchanges to and from the distribution network. The main benefits to consumers within these networks will be in minimising the cost of energy and minimising distribution and transmission network costs.