China is powering the growth of microgrid market in Asia-Pacific, according to a report published by market analysis firm Navigant Research. In the long term, Asia-Pacific region is projected to become the market leader in microgrid projects with specific microgrid projects or planned portfolios.
In the eighth edition of its microgrid deployment tracker, Navigant Research has stated that China would be deploying 4,000 megawatts capacity of microgrids over the next five years. These would be used for both grid-tied and remote applications, the report says.
ALSO READ: Community/utility microgrids lead the market of microgrid projects, says Navigant Research
North America leads the market for microgrids, says Navigant Research
The Navigant Research report says 12,031 MW of total microgrid capacity throughout the world were identified as of the second quarter of this fiscal. It is about thrice the figure of 4,393 MW for the same period last fiscal.
Navigant has stated that as of May the microgrid market was much more robust than it was in 2009 when the research firm first began to develop its database of smart grid development in the region.
Deployment of grids in North American markets such as Alaska and Canada, and expansion in developing countries such as India are likely to power Asia-Pacific to the top of microgrid installation charts.
The development of microgrids by developing nations is not surprising as the economies of the region are growing at a robust pace and their energy needs are rapidly rising.
The inevitability of shifting to renewable energy sources owing to problems caused by climate change is also pushing countries such as China and India to invest more in development of grids.
Ajith Kumar S