A Larger Role for Microgrids: Are Microgrids a Viable Paradigm for Electricity Supply Expansion?

This report suggests that microgrid technologies can play an important role in less developed countries, in addition to highly developed ones. The report discusses three stages of development with respect to electricity—expanding energy access, managing growth in industrializing countries, and transforming growth in postindustrial economies—and benefits that microgrids can bring. Microgrid growth models and potential barriers are also presented.