10 Intriguing Distributed Energy Projects to Watch in 2024

Source: Elisa Wood | · ENERGY CHANGEMAKERS · | January 2, 2024

This year’s list focused on our core EnergyChangemakers.com topics: distributed generation, energy efficiency, energy storage, EVs and virtual power plants.

1.Keeping energy wealth local: Community Electricity

Distributed energy allows us to rethink energy wealth and place more of it in the hands of individuals and communities. The Living EmPower House, a multi-family, multi-use green community in Santa Ana, California, transforms tenants into prosumers participating in a transactive energy program that applies energy savings to reduce rent. The project has won funding from California’s EPIC program.

2.It’s all about the business model: Ameresco

The military is the US’ largest energy user, so it’s always looking for technologies that can create greater efficiency and lower emissions. But good technology only gets you so far. The right business model is crucial to create scale. The energy-as-a-service model has encouraged businesses and institutions to pursue clean energy because it spares building owners from capital investment and operation and maintenance costs. Now, for the first time, the US government will try energy-as-a-service through a $10 million Air Force contract with Massachusetts-based Ameresco.