Microgrids are beginning to move into the mainstream, with a greater focus being placed on viable business models.

BOULDER, Colo.--Many new microgrid projects are still under the radar, and many local projects originate organically, without official designations or titles, making them very hard to track. As a sector, however, microgrids are beginning to move into the mainstream, with a greater focus being placed on viable business models. The result is a much more robust microgrid market than just a few years ago. According to a new report from Navigant Research, more than 480 microgrid projects are proposed, planned, under construction, or operating worldwide, representing nearly 3,800 megawatts (MW) of capacity.

"New vendors are continually entering the market and previously undiscovered projects are coming to the forefront, such as 27 projects planned or proposed in the state of Connecticut alone," says Peter Asmus, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. "The outlines of a growing and vibrant microgrid movement are emerging, and the findings in this report reaffirm some of the market optimism surrounding microgrids, clearly demonstrating the rapid growth in the sector."

North America remains the world's leading market for microgrids, with a planned, proposed, and deployed capacity of 2,505 MW, representing an additional 417 MW since the fourth quarter 2012 version of the report—indicating an additional 55 projects. Of the total North American microgrid capacity, 1,459 MW is currently online and more than 1,122 MW is planned, under development, or proposed.

The report, "Microgrid Deployment Tracker 2Q13", provides data on known microgrid projects in the proposal, planning, and deployed stages, including details on the various technologies employed in individual projects. The report includes specific information on the capacity of the following generation assets: diesel, combined heat and power, solar photovoltaic, wind, and fuel cells. It also details the rated capacity, duration, and types of energy storage for each project. The database is also segmented by world region. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team's research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant (NYSE: NCI) is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.