ArchiBuild and Builder Jan/Feb 2025 | Page 8

Microgrids in Buildings are Crucial to Pioneering the Future of Energy Management

Anoop Hariparsad Digital Energy Business Unit Leader for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric

Microgrids are emerging as a game-changing concept , particularly within commercial and industrial buildings , in a world that continues to shift towards more sustainable practices . By offering a decentralised approach to energy , microgrids allow buildings to generate , manage and utilise their electricity more efficiently .

Additionally , commercial buildings in South Africa are increasingly looking to become more energy efficient as businesses try to offset the financial impacts of rising electricity tariffs and optimise their energy use .
Microgrids enable buildings to use solar power during the day to charge batteries , and then use the stored battery power during peak demand periods in the mornings and evenings . This helps them avoid high electricity costs and extra charges during peak times .
Crucially , reduced grid electricity usage and increased use of renewable energy sources enabled by microgrids are the
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