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Small Grids, Big Impact: Harnessing the Collective Power of Microgrids

The world is undergoing a significant transformation in the way we generate and consume energy. With the growing urgency to address climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, renewable energy sources have emerged as a vital solution. In this pursuit, micro-grids have emerged as a promising and innovative approach to facilitate the integration of renewable energy into our daily lives.

This blog post explores the concept of micro-grids from the perspective of renewable energy, shedding light on their potential and the role they play in shaping a sustainable future.

 

What are Microgrids?

Microgrids are localised, self-contained energy systems that can operate independently or in coordination with the main power grid.

They consist of small-scale power generation sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or small generators, combined with energy storage systems.

Microgrids serve specific areas, such as neighbourhoods, campuses, or industrial complexes, providing reliable and resilient electricity supply.

They offer various benefits, including increased energy efficiency, reduced transmission losses, enhanced grid stability, and the ability to integrate renewable energy sources effectively.

 

The Future Will Be Decentralised

  1. A recent report by Spherical Insights showed the global microgrid market is projected to reach a valuation of $30.9 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% from 2020 to 2025.
  2. Micro-grids are particularly crucial in rural areas and developing regions where access to centralised power grids is limited. It is estimated that around 840 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity, and micro-grids offer a viable solution to address this energy poverty.
  1. The integration of renewable energy sources into micro-grids promotes energy resilience and reliability. In the face of extreme weather events or natural disasters, micro-grids can function independently and continue to provide power to critical infrastructure, ensuring continuity of essential services.
  2. Micro-grids enable local communities to become self-sufficient in their energy needs. By harnessing renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydro, micro-grids reduce reliance on centralised fossil fuel power plants, promoting energy independence and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

More Advantages to Micro-Grids

– Local Communities: Microgrids provide reliable energy supply to communities, ensuring uninterrupted electricity for critical facilities and enhancing resilience.

– Businesses and Industrial Complexes: Microgrids offer enhanced energy reliability, reducing production disruptions and helping businesses optimise energy usage and align with sustainability goals.

– Remote and Off-Grid Areas: Microgrids enable localised energy systems in remote areas, improving access to electricity and supporting economic development.

– Renewable Energy Integration: Microgrids facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

– Grid Operators and Utilities: Microgrids support the stability of the main power grid by balancing supply and demand, reducing strain on transmission lines, and providing grid support services.

 

A Better Tomorrow With Micro-Grids

Micro-grids hold immense potential to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable energy future. As renewable energy technologies continue to advance, their integration into micro-grids becomes more viable and cost-effective. The ability to generate, store, and distribute clean energy at the local level empowers communities, promotes energy resilience, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

In the coming years, we can expect to witness an upsurge in micro-grid installations, driven by the declining costs of renewable energy technologies, supportive policies, and increasing awareness about the environmental benefits of clean energy. Additionally, advancements in digitalisation, energy management systems, and storage technologies will further enhance the capabilities of micro-grids, making them even more efficient and reliable.

Governments, businesses, and communities worldwide must recognise the significance of micro-grids and invest in their development. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices, we can establish a decentralised energy landscape that not only reduces our carbon footprint but also empowers local communities and creates a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.

Murat Tekin

Senior Project Engineer

Murat is a PMP Certified Project Management Professional with significant demonstrated history on turn key EPC power plant construction projects. He has completed around 4300 MW of power plant constructions as well as HV transmission lines and substations.

At Hyphen, Murat is responsible on coordination of engineering works and execution of EPC projects.

Murat has masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Middle East Technical University, Turkey.

Dean Federman

Associate

Dean joined Hyphen in 2022 and is mainly involved with the renewables team. 

Prior to joining Hyphen, Dean established and operated the analytics function for a Fintech start-up, after doing high-impact data analysis in the gaming industry, focusing on optimizing critical business flows. 

Dean has a Bachelor of Science in Investment and Financial Risk Management from Bayes Business School.

Mirko Leo

COO

Mirko has been involved with the RB Group since 2017, at the beginning as advisor in the acquisition of Portosole Marina and then as CFO of the company. Prior to this, Mirko worked as CFO in Invensys Plc (now Schneider Electric) and Foxboro Scada S.p.A, and as CRO in various Italian companies.
Since 2021, he has been involved in the establishment and launch of Hyphen dealing with the development and operation of renewable energy plants.

At Hyphen, Mirko is the man-on-the-ground, handling the company’s operations, accounting and budgeting.

He has a degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan and is qualified chartered accountant.

Davide Sommariva

Advisor

Davide previously worked at Aletti Bank, he left his position and founded Renergetica in 2008. Since inception it has created, managed and operated PV projects globally. In 2018 Renergetica was listed on the Italian Stock Market as PV international developer. In 2020 they issued a €12 million bond fully underwritten to finance its 1GWp global pipeline development.

Amadeus Davoudi

Investor Relations

Amadeus has been involved in brokerage, fund distribution and private investments for over 25 years. He founded several fund solutions and distribution companies, where he focused on representing a select number of tailor-made investment solutions for institutional investors.

He was previously the global head of sales for Pictet, the largest Swiss privately owned bank, before which he was head of sales and distribution for other major banks such as, JP Morgan and Credit Suisse.

At Hyphen, Amadintroduces potential investors to Hyphen and handles 3rdparty funding.

Roberto Orsini

CEO

Roberto has been working as an advisor in various acquisitions, primarily in Italy. Since 2021, he has been involved in the establishment and launch of an Hyphen dealing with the development and operation of renewable energy plants. 

Roberto has held CEO positions of several Italian and International companies, including Portosole, the marina in Sanremo, Italy. Roberto started his career in Arthur Andersen, in the United States.

Jad Aridi

Associate

Jad joined the RB Group in 2021 with a particular focus on energy and renewables among many others. Prior to this, Jad worked as COO for start-up based in Beirut and as a Project Manager for Agora Group in Dubai, working to connect global companies with MENA investors/buyers.

At Hyphen, Jad provides support for various aspects of the business.

Jad attained a Bachelor of Psychology from the American University of Beirut in 2019.

Alex Chirdaris

VP

Alex Chirdaris joined RB in 2015 and has been with the Hyphen Trading platform since inception, with a focus on trading and deal origination. Prior to joining RB, Alex worked in the value investments team at Dromeus Capital as well as at the investment bank Axia Ventures Group. 

Alex handles financial analysis and project feasibility at Hyphen. 

Alex has a degree in Economics from the University of Bristol and a masters in Finance from Imperial College London.

Uryia Dolev

Head of Business Development

Uryia is a renewable energy and power executive, with over 15 years of experience in leading global power companies. Uryia has developed and invested in power projects across a wide range of technologies, working for both large and mid-sized global IPPs like IC Power, NexifEnergy and SBE.

Uryia has a strong track record in origination, development, finance, management and M&A of power projects across South and South East Asia, USA, Europe, and the Middle East.

At Hyphen, Uryia oversees project investments and handles scaling Hyphen’s portfolio and project selection. 

Mehmet Saydam

Managing Partner

Mehmet has covered the Natural Resources Commodities in Emerging Markets for over 20 years at institutions like Deutsche Bank, and Goldman Sachs. During this period, he led major market leading deals in oil and gas as well as metals and mining some of which he captained during the Global Financial Crisis despite all the headwinds.

Mehmet Joined Reuben Brothers in 2012 to head a distressed and Special Situations team. There, he built an important portfolio that ranged from shipping, logistics to agriculture and commodity trading, and from high end hotels to marinas.

He span off from RB at the beginning of 2022 to set Hyphen Renewables, a Renewable Development business that focuses first to the construction of Solar Farms in Italy and will later expand to Storage and Wind as well as other developed markets to position itself as a player in the Energy Transition.