PhD Jamie Behrendt develops website on micro electricity grids in the European Union
Microgrids are decentralised electricity systems that can, technically, operate independently of the main electricity network. This possibility could stimulate a more sustainable energy mix. Legally, however, the integration of microgrids in the EU electricity market is not regulated.
To obtain an overview of existing initiatives, PhD researcher Jamie Behrendt of the University of Groningen has created a unique website that provides a map of existing and developing microgrids in Europe. She also invites new microgrid developers across Europe to contact her. The website's information will be used as part of her empirical research to assess how microgrids should be regulated in the EU in order to maximize legal certainty and lower transaction costs.
As part of the European Green Deal, the EU aims to be climate neutral by 2050: net emissions of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by that time should be zero. This is only achievable if all actors responsible for emitting greenhouse gases act towards this aim, including electricity consumers. The aging centralised electricity network has difficulties to facilitate the required technical innovation of the grid and to effectively integrate renewable energy sources. By promoting the use of decentralised electricity systems, such as micro electricity grids, electricity users can more actively participate in the electricity market and contribute to the energy transition.