Note: This blog is more of a spec than a narrative.... a work in progress...
As my CMG (Community MicroGrid_ knowledge and network evolves, I am getting picky about my next CMG project.
The last couple projects (Indonesia, ARC, etc) had many shortcomings while they were filled with blessings and learnings. I ain't getting any younger and I want a 'stage play' - not a 'dress rehearsal'. Also I am into DOING things and not sitting around in meeting rooms - shovel in the ground and hauling around dirt + rocks is where I want to be.
Foremost are the people (#1) involved in the project = I gotta meet the people first, and preferably the whole team before committing to a longterm engagement. There's gotta be chemistry and synergy.
Next is the location (#2) = within 1000 miles of me and if it's a developing area they gotta follow Paul Pollack's wisdom (no more travels halfway around the world or in unenlightened 3rd world countries + NGOs).
Then there's project scope (#3) = An absolute (no compromise) is that the project must be 100% off the grid with no fossil fuel generators (even 'biogas' generators!) This is usually the deal breaker, but I insist. After all, it's easy to do a CMG connected to the grid to forgive all the engineering + design mistakes. One of the principles that I follow (from C2C) is: 'regulation is a sign of design error'... and so it goes with our current main electrical/energy grid. About the only exemption to this rq'mt would be if a main grid tie-in is solely for financial gains (selling excess power).
And finally there's my qualifications (#4). Hey, there may be a project that is WAY out of my league. It cold be overshoot or undershoot. I doubt it'll be the former. If the project is too simplistic (eg.100% solar PV), or too rustic (no running water, etc) then I'll pass. On the other hand if it involves hi-end capital (eg. >5mw hydro or solar/wind, or utility scale geothermal) well that's beyond my expertise and there are others more suited for this kind of project.
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I'm thinking I will find my next CMG project within my own networking (several prospects already, but no definitive project yet!), within Sonoma County, or in Europe - where they are 20+ years ahead of the USA in CMGs. So stay tuned... my next CMG project will be posted on this blog.
