off-grid

For some, the term off-grid brings to mind images of pod houses, biospheres and eccentric individualists determined to live free from society—including from the convenience of grid-supplied electricity.

Let the Market Pay for Renewable Energy Josh Prueher 2011

The rationale for investing in off-grid energy development is three-fold.

Let the Market Pay for Renewable Energy Josh Prueher 2011

While the off-grid market is small relative to the on-grid energy behemoth, it is of sufficient size and depth to justify strong competition, private investment and product development—without subsidy.

Let the Market Pay for Renewable Energy Josh Prueher 2011

For those 1.6 billion people, mainly in the developing world, off-grid energy is the key to a modern livelihood and participation in the global community.

Let the Market Pay for Renewable Energy Josh Prueher 2011

Second, the specific technologies required for economical off-grid power—solar and wind generation, integrated energy storage, and intelligent microgrids—are important technical stepping stones toward a national system in which energy is produced and consumed on a small scale and in close proximity.

Let the Market Pay for Renewable Energy Josh Prueher 2011

The off-grid market doesn't need government subsidies.

Let the Market Pay for Renewable Energy Josh Prueher 2011

For example, in energy output-based aid has successfully delivered off-grid technologies, such as solar home systems, helping to reduce persistent lack of rural access in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other countries.

Wajiha Ahmed: Pakistan's Post-Floods Reconstruction: Doing It Right Wajiha Ahmed 2010

Oil and gas exploration, mining, engineering and construction, maritime shipping, offshore platforms, and large elements of the government including the military, border patrol, and the Department of the Interior all work off-grid.

Let the Market Pay for Renewable Energy Josh Prueher 2011

There's an important free market for renewable energy located off-grid.

Let the Market Pay for Renewable Energy Josh Prueher 2011

In fact, the off-grid market consists of some of the largest industrial enterprises on the planet, operating in remote and often extreme environments.

Let the Market Pay for Renewable Energy Josh Prueher 2011