Key findings from the U.S. Department of Energy 2011 microgrid workshop

Summary form only given: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) convened a microgrid workshop in August 2011. The workshop brought together more than 50 experts and practitioners to develop technical performance and cost targets for the microgrid, as well as technology development pathways for achievement of microgrid targets. Workshop attendees represented a diverse set of microgrid stakeholders, including research institutions, technology providers, system integrators, commercial and military end users, and federal/state/local governments. The workshop sessions focused on six technology areas where additional research and development (R&D) would have an impact on achieving the defined microgrid technical performance and cost targets. This panel presentation will share key findings on each technology area from the workshop, regarding: current functions and costs; innovations needed and why; where the technology is heading; technology market sectors and sizes, and technology development pathways. The planned implementation of technology development pathways by the DOE Smart Grid R&D Program will also be presented.