Twenty-five percent of the world’s energy is created by micrropower up from 10% last year. Small-scale electricity generation is slowly replacing big fossil-fuel driven power plants, which are currently the world’s single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

Defined as “all renewables except big hydro”  Micro grids are being built all over the world.both to increase energy efficiency and to provide adaptable and resilient power in the case of major storms or natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy. This is particularly important as extreme weather events are likely to increase due to global warming.

These micro-grids, which typically incorporate renewables and cogeneration, are designed to be able to operate independently of the main power grid. If disaster strikes, they can produce islands of power to critical facilities such as police, fire services and hospitals.

More than 260 such projects are planned or operating in the US.  Micro-grids aren’t just helpful during natural disasters — they avoid long-distance transmission, so can reduce line energy losseswhich can reach as high as 20%.

Cities, and the way they are powered, will undoubtedly play a huge role in the transition to a sustainable and resilient energy future. New York has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 19% since 2005.  This is partly from an increased use of cogeneration and natural gas, and upgraded city operations using cleaner vehicles.