随着全球人口持续增长，对电力的需求不断增加。然而，还有一些挑战需要解决。目前，全球有超过 10 亿人无法接入能源网，其中加拿大约有 20 万人无法连接到北美电网和天然气分配管道系统。

自然灾害和极端天气事件也会造成电力供应中断，导致持续数天的大规模停电。此外，当输电系统的一个组件发生故障时，可能会影响整个电网，导致大范围停电。

To tackle these issues, the concept of microgrids has gained popularity. A microgrid is a energy system that can operate independently or in conjunction with larger grids. It contains all the necessary components to provide electricity to a specific community, typically serving a smaller population of around a thousand or a few hundred people. This approach decentralizes the power supply generation and distribution process, making it more resilient and less prone to grid failures.

Unlike large-scale energy grids that connect buildings to central power supply sources like coal, nuclear, and gas plants, a microgrid functions as an isolated island. This independence can prove beneficial during crises such as storms or outages. Many microgrids utilize a combination of renewable energy sources and batteries, with natural gas serving as backup. While microgrid power supply is not necessarily more reliable, communities located far away from larger power sources can benefit from the localized control and ownership of electricity generation.

微电网的一个著名例子是十多年前在日本仙台建造的微电网。该微电网由太阳能、天然气和电池存储混合供电。在 2011 年毁灭性的海啸和地震期间，仙台微电网为东北福祉大学的教学医院提供电力和热量，确保即使在大范围停电期间也能维持关键服务。

The impacts of power outages on society and the economy are significant, and the climate crisis exacerbates these challenges. Jana Ganion, energy director for Blue Lake Rancheria, an Indigenous reserve in California, emphasizes the urgent need for solutions, stating, "Widespread power outages cause a lot of social and economic damage and destruction. And the climate crisis is making all of this worse." Blue Lake Rancheria successfully launched a solar microgrid in 2015, providing electricity to thousands of people nearby when millions of Californians had their power supply shut off due to wildfire risk.

However, setting up a microgrid can be a costly endeavor, particularly in densely populated urban or suburban areas with existing infrastructure. Consumers tend to stick with what is already in place, and for the majority of Canadians, that means relying on hydroelectric power supply. Nuclear and coal plants are also significant power sources in the country. Raising the necessary capital for building power plants, whether they are traditional or microgrids, is challenging for some countries. The autonomy and self-sufficiency that microgrids offer can be especially relevant in such cases.

加拿大有近 300 个偏远社区严重依赖柴油微电网发电。认识到对更环保选择的需求，加拿大联邦政府在过去十年中一直与地区实体合作，探索和实施更可持续的能源解决方案。除了提供电力之外，微电网还可以通过为处理过程提供动力，在获取清洁饮用水方面发挥关键作用。

In conclusion, the global demand for electricity continues to rise, and challenges such as lack of access to energy grids and disruptions caused by natural disasters persist. Microgrids have emerged as a promising solution, offering localized power supply generation and distribution systems that can operate both independently and in conjunction with larger grids. While establishing microgrids can be costly, they provide autonomy and resilience, especially in remote areas or during crises. Exploring greener options, such as renewable energy sources, battery storage, and natural gas backup, can make microgrids even more sustainable and beneficial for communities.

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参考网站：https://www.cbc.ca