To successfully implement Microgrids requires the following disciplines:

• (local) control of connected devices and power electronics,

• means of communication,

• energy and contingency management

• and economics.

SMA Technology AG and ISET e.V. (today Fraunhofer IEE) in Kassel, Germany, had already mastered AC-coupled remote supply systems (island supplies, DER integration) for some time when Microgrids emerged about the year 2000:

Relying on AC-coupled systems and developing the grid-compatible control selfsync(TM) paved the way towards universal Microgrids:

This modular system's approach enabled straightforward up-scaling into the MW range:

Today, the potential of microgrids is growing enormously, mainly due to the need for resilience in terms of power supply in the face of climate change and severe weather phenomena. The Microgrid-Symposium is an annual exchange - also some pioneers participate - to explore the possibilities and opportunities of this technology.