Smart Power solutions for microgrids

ABB Smart Power solutions support microgrid architectures that improve power resiliency and enable the integration of distributed energy resources (DER). They help commercial, industrial, utility, marine, and community microgrids operate efficiently in grid-connected or islanded mode.

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Microgrids that adapt to changing energy conditions

Microgrids help organizations manage energy resources and respond to changing grid conditions and demand. ABB Smart Power solutions support microgrid architectures that coordinate distributed energy resources, storage, and loads, enabling sites to optimize energy use, enhance resilience, and operate effectively both in connection with and independently from the grid.

Why Microgrids?

Faults in LVDC microgrids with front-end converters (1)

Microgrid solutions serve a broad range of applications, from mission-critical sites such as hospitals, data centers, banks, and industrial facilities to remote or grid-stressed sites facing unreliable grid access or rising energy costs. They also support prosumer communities and energy-centric enterprises seeking to optimize on-site generation and monetize flexible energy assets.

By coordinating distributed energy resources (DER), storage, and loads, microgrids improve resilience, integrate more renewables, and optimize energy use to reduce OPEX. They can also create new revenue opportunities through energy and ancillary services markets. Digitalization brings these capabilities together, enabling real-time visibility and control to optimize energy flows, respond to grid conditions, and capture operational and market opportunities.

Which are the microgrids market drivers?

Declining costs of distributed energy resources are accelerating microgrid adoption and strengthening the business case for solar microgrids and battery energy storage systems (BESS). At the same time, growing pressure on grid infrastructure and limited grid capacity are increasing demand for microgrids. They help sites manage energy locally and make better use of existing grid connections.

Cloud and edge computing combine fast local control with higher-level optimization based on forecasts. Microgrids also deliver measurable resilience benefits. For example, a microgrid with 2 MW of solar and 500 kWh of BESS can provide up to 80% more power autonomy.

 


Start using the Energy Simulator for free

Designing microgrids can be complex, but with Energy Simulator, simplicity is at your fingertips. Thanks to an intuitive interface, guided workflows, and unlimited simulation capabilities, this digital tool enables even non-experts to obtain professional-level, results-oriented insights, and clear ROI.
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Our suite of solutions

By solution
By industry
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Kit Ecosystem

A modular, scalable architecture designed to simplify the creation and management of microgrids. It seamlessly integrates pre-engineered hardware units with an advanced Energy Management System (EMS) software to coordinate loads, local generation, energy storage, and grid connections. Discover how it works.
ABB_Microgrids_ASKI
ASKI

Whether you want to monitor and optimize your energy consumption in real time, manage loads intelligently, integrate renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics, or support EV charging infrastructure, ASKI is the key technology for intelligent energy management. For selected countries only.
Commercial buildings
Commercial buildings

Improve power continuity and operational visibility across key electrical assets.
Marine AC applications
Marine AC applications

Support marine power architectures where AC microgrids apply.
Industries
Industries

Coordinate DER and critical loads to support uptime and productivity.
Marine DC applications
Marine DC applications

Support DC-focused marine applications where applicable.
Communities and utilities
Communities and utilities

Enable local resiliency and DER integration at distribution level.
Campuses and Institutions
Campuses and Institutions

Support for campuses, schools, fire and police stations.
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DC Microgrids

Direct Current (DC) powers more resilient microgrids and supports sustainability goals by enabling cleaner, more reliable energy where and when it’s needed. Discover how DC solutions address today’s energy challenges through greater grid flexibility and efficiency across a wide range of applications.

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Protection devices for direct current applications (1)

Features and documents

wildfires
Microgrids for Emergencies

Extreme events cause widespread power outages, driving investment in resilient solutions that ensure continuity for critical facilities.
Battery Energy Storage
Application Note

Switching & Protection solutions for DC Combiners in Battery Systems
Applications_for_Solar_674x344
News

ABB invests in Direct Current microgrid start-up Direct Energy Partners to accelerate energy transformation
cityscape
Webinar

How Modular Solutions Accelerate Worldwide Microgrid and VPP Opportunities

ABB Landscape Microgrids
Webinar

Microgrids and virtual power plants following resiliency, sustainability and digitalization trends

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a microgrid?

A microgrid is a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources within clearly defined electrical boundaries that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid.

How does a microgrid work?

A microgrid uses advanced controllers to orchestrate the balancing of local energy resources and demand, supporting grid interconnection requirements while optimizing power delivery to end-users.

What is the difference between a microgrid and a traditional power grid?

Traditional power grids are centralized large-scale systems powered by major power plants. Microgrids are localized, distributed systems that can operate independently and integrate multiple local energy sources closer to consumption points.

What is the difference between a microgrid and a smart grid?

A smart grid is an upgraded traditional power grid with digital controls and communication technologies. A microgrid is a self-contained, localized system that can operate independently or connected to a larger grid. Smart grids manage conventional grids; microgrids are independent power systems.

How do microgrids integrate renewable energy?

Microgrids can be configured to draw power from renewable sources such as solar arrays, wind turbines, and hydroelectric systems, reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence.

Can a microgrid operate independently from the utility grid?

Yes. Microgrids can operate in either grid-connected or island mode, including entirely off-grid applications. They seamlessly transition between interacting with the main utility grid and operating independently during power outages or emergencies.

How much does a microgrid cost?

Costs vary significantly based on size, location, and configuration. ROI comes through energy cost savings, government incentives, reduced grid reliance, and potential revenue from selling excess energy back to the grid.

What are the challenges of implementing a microgrid?

Implementation challenges include high upfront capital costs, complex regulatory and interconnection requirements, need for technical expertise, integration of multiple energy sources, and advanced control system configuration.
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