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Unlocking the energy potential of microgrids

The shift toward electrification to accelerate decarbonization efforts is increasing energy demand and putting considerable strain on the grid. Now more than ever we need a more flexible and resilient power infrastructure to keep the power on when it matters. In this episode, we are joined by Joe Capetta, director of technical applications – energy transition and Greta Foster, product line manager of microgrids & distributed energy resource systems, to talk about how leveraging microgrids can bolster energy resilience while lowering carbon emissions.

Question 1: Technically speaking, what is a microgrid and how does it work?

Question 2: Do microgrids help address the growing energy demand from the electrification of buildings and transportation?

Question 3: How do microgrids contribute to sustainability goals?

Question 4: Tell me about microgrid business models. How can microgrids be used to generate revenue?

Question 5: Over the past several years, the frequency and severity of climate and weather-related events, such as wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes, has steadily increased. What are the benefits of a microgrid when it comes to severe weather events?

Question 6: The Federal government, States and municipalities across North America have introduced funding initiatives and tax incentives to promote clean energy. How do microgrids and DER solutions fit into that?

Question 7: With recent cyber-attacks on utilities, how important is cybersecurity when it comes to building a microgrid for a site?

Question 8: Typically we think about microgrids providing power infrastructure for urban communities, campuses and buildings. Are they a practical solution for remote and rural communities?

Question 9: How do microgrids support the growing adoption of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure?

Question 10: With all this background, what are two things to get started with a microgrid project?

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Greta Foster

Greta Foster is the product line manager for Microgrids and DER systems within Eaton's engineering systems & services division. Since 2021, Greta has been responsible for shaping Eaton's microgrid control solutions offering and go-to-market strategy. Prior to this role, she was a business development manager in Eaton’s electrical sector strategy and acquisitions team.

Greta joined Eaton in 2016 following 10 years in various strategy and portfolio planning roles at Deere & Company based in Moline, IL. She holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and a bachelor's from Amherst College in Massachusetts.

Joe Cappeta

Joe joins us with more than 15 years of experience in the electrical industry. During his tenure with Eaton Joe has held roles spanning multiple functions and leadership positions.

He has designed and applied power systems installed globally that integrate distributed energy resources, enable electrification of transport, back up critical data processing equipment, and distribute power to a world that is increasingly electrifying. Currently, he leads a team of application specialists focused on the energy transition nationwide.

Joe holds a B.S in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Georgetown University.

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Find out how Eaton’s microgrid solutions provide reliable power that delivers operational resilience, minimizes carbon emissions and reduces energy costs.

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We can help you build a more resilient, efficient and sustainable energy infrastructure by developing a microgrid system suited to your specific needs. We also offer microgrid project financing for an end-to-end solution without the up-front capital investment.

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Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy and helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges.

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Unlocking the energy potential of microgrids

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