Top 10 Microgrid-as-a-service (Maas) companies

From Schneider Electric to PowerSecure, discover the top 10 Microgrid-as-a-service companies transforming the energy industry

Imagine being able to deploy an energy system without putting down any initial investment. Microgrid-as-a-Service (MaaS) makes this a reality, and is central to the energy environment of every data centre. This innovative financing mechanism is opening doors for commercial and industrial sites, campuses, governments and large energy users to stabilise future energy costs, increase the performance of critical infrastructure and even create new revenue streams.

With MaaS, the financial risks and complexity of deploying a microgrid are removed, allowing more organisations to embrace this energy solution. Essentially, a microgrid is an energy system that operates locally, meeting energy demands and balancing supply and demand in real-time. It's like having your own personal energy island, disconnected from the grid.

A microgrid is essentially a small-scale power system that can operate independently or in conjunction with the larger grid. It typically consists of local power sources, like solar panels or wind turbines, combined with energy storage systems and smart control technologies to optimise the energy generation and consumption.

Microgrids are becoming increasingly popular as a way to improve energy resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money on energy costs.

Microgrid-as-a-Service is an innovative financing mechanism that is enabling more organisations to take advantage of the benefits of microgrids. With MaaS, a third-party company provides the upfront capital to design, install, and operate a microgrid on behalf of a customer. The customer pays for the energy they use, similar to a utility bill, but with the added benefits of increased energy reliability, improved power quality, and potentially lower energy costs.

The benefits of microgrids and MaaS are numerous. Microgrids can help reduce the impact of power outages, particularly in remote or critical infrastructure locations. They can also help organisations reduce their carbon footprint by increasing the use of renewable energy sources. MaaS can also help organisations save money on energy costs and reduce their overall energy consumption.

Microgrid-as-a-Service represents an exciting opportunity for organisations looking to improve their energy resilience, reduce their carbon footprint, and save money on energy costs. As more companies and governments embrace this innovative technology, we can expect to see continued growth and innovation in this space.

Here are the Top 10 Microgrid-as-a-Service (Maas) companies:

10. Younicos

Younicos is a leading energy storage solutions provider that offers a range of services, including MaaS. With a focus on energy storage systems, Younicos' MaaS offering includes financing, design, installation, and operation of microgrids.

In 2017, Younicos was acquired by Aggreko, a global leader in temporary power generation, which has strengthened their position in the MaaS market. The acquisition has enabled Younicos to expand their MaaS offering to a wider range of customers, leveraging Aggreko's extensive global network and resources. This has allowed the company to further develop its technology and expand its reach, offering more customers the opportunity to benefit from Younicos' expertise and cutting-edge technology.

Younicos has a proven track record of deploying microgrids for various applications, including island grids and remote communities. The company's MaaS solution leverages advanced energy management and control technologies to optimise microgrid performance and energy efficiency.

9. Eaton

Eaton is a Fortune 500 company with a global presence and over 100 years of experience in the electrical industry. In recent years, they have expanded their focus to include energy management solutions, including microgrids. Their MaaS offering is designed to provide customers with a turnkey solution for deploying microgrids, from financing to operation.

One of the key strengths of Eaton's MaaS offering is their experience in deploying microgrids for a range of applications. They have installed microgrids for commercial buildings, data centres, and industrial sites, giving them a broad understanding of the unique energy needs and challenges faced by different types of customers.

This experience allows them to design and install microgrids that are optimised for performance and energy efficiency, while also meeting the specific requirements of each customer.

To achieve optimal performance and energy efficiency, Eaton's MaaS solution leverages advanced power management and control technologies. They offer a range of hardware and software solutions for microgrid control, including their Power Xpert Energy Optimizer (PXEO) platform, which provides real-time monitoring and control of the microgrid. 

8. Green Energy Corp

Green Energy Corp is a US-based company that has been providing energy management solutions for over a decade. In recent years, they have also entered the Microgrid-as-a-Service (MaaS) market, offering financing, design, installation, and operation of microgrids to their customers.

To achieve optimal performance and efficiency, Green Energy Corp's MaaS solution leverages advanced software and control technologies. Their proprietary software platform, called GreenBus®, provides real-time monitoring and control of the microgrid, allowing for fine-tuning of energy usage and ensuring that supply and demand are balanced at all times. GreenBus® also allows for seamless integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into the microgrid.

In addition to their technical expertise, Green Energy Corp's MaaS offering also stands out for its customer-focused approach. They work closely with their customers to understand their energy needs and develop customised solutions that meet their unique requirements. This approach, coupled with their track record of successful microgrid installations, has earned them a strong reputation in the MaaS market.

7. NRG Energy

NRG Energy has a proven track record of deploying microgrids for various applications, including universities, hospitals, and commercial buildings. They have a deep understanding of the energy needs of these institutions and offer customised solutions that meet their unique requirements. In addition, NRG Energy leverages renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, as well as energy storage systems, to help customers reduce their carbon footprint and improve energy resilience.

One of NRG Energy's key strengths is their ability to leverage data analytics to optimise microgrid performance and energy efficiency. Their MaaS solution is built on a platform that collects and analyses data from microgrid components, such as solar panels, batteries, and inverters, to ensure that the microgrid is operating at peak performance. This approach allows NRG Energy to identify and resolve issues quickly and proactively, ensuring that the microgrid is providing reliable and efficient energy to the customer.

NRG Energy's commitment to sustainability is evident in their approach to MaaS. By leveraging renewable energy sources and energy storage systems, they help customers reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower their carbon footprint. This approach not only benefits the environment but also helps customers reduce their energy costs and improve their bottom line.

6. EnSync Energy

EnSync Energy is a company that specialises in delivering intelligent energy management solutions that enable customers to integrate renewable energy sources and energy storage systems. Their Microgrid-as-a-Service (MaaS) offering includes financing, design, and installation of microgrids for various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

EnSync Energy's MaaS solution is based on their proprietary Matrix energy management platform, which optimises the use of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems to reduce energy costs and improve energy resilience. The platform uses advanced software algorithms and machine learning techniques to predict energy demand, optimise energy supply, and manage energy storage to ensure that customers have reliable and cost-effective energy supplies.

In addition to MaaS, EnSync Energy also offers a range of energy storage systems and solar solutions, including residential solar energy storage, commercial and industrial energy storage, and utility-scale energy storage. These solutions are designed to help customers reduce their carbon footprint and increase energy independence by providing reliable and sustainable energy supplies.

5. Spirae

Spirae’s MaaS solution leverages advanced control and monitoring technologies, including real-time monitoring, predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms to optimise microgrid performance and energy efficiency.

Their microgrid solutions are designed to be flexible and scalable, enabling customers to customise their microgrid to meet their specific energy needs. They use a modular approach to microgrid design, allowing customers to add or remove components as their energy requirements change over time.

Spirae has a proven track record in deploying microgrids for a range of applications, including military bases, hospitals, and commercial buildings, and one of the company’s key strengths is their expertise in energy management systems, which enable customers to manage their energy usage more efficiently and reduce energy costs. 

Spirae's MaaS solution is a comprehensive and innovative offering that enables customers to achieve greater energy resilience, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve energy efficiency.

4. PowerSecure

PowerSecure is a US-based company that provides energy solutions and is known for its Microgrid-as-a-Service (MaaS) offering. Their MaaS solution includes financing, design, installation, and operation of microgrids. PowerSecure has experience in deploying microgrids for various applications, including data centres, military bases, and commercial buildings.

One of PowerSecure's strengths is its focus on improving energy resilience and reliability for customers. Their MaaS solution includes the installation of backup power generation, energy storage systems, and advanced control and monitoring technologies to ensure uninterrupted power supply in case of grid outages or other disruptions.

PowerSecure's MaaS offering also includes energy management services that help customers optimise their energy usage and reduce costs. They use advanced software and analytics tools to monitor energy consumption and identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.

PowerSecure has received several awards and recognitions for its MaaS solutions, including being named a 2020 Microgrid Leader by Microgrid Knowledge and a 2020 Top Energy Storage Project Developer by Energy Storage North America.

3. Ameresco

Ameresco is a leading renewable energy company that provides a wide range of energy solutions to businesses and organisations across the world. One of their key offerings is Microgrid-as-a-Service (MaaS), a comprehensive solution that provides customers with customised microgrid solutions that can integrate with the larger grid or operate independently.

Ameresco's MaaS offering focuses on providing customised solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of each customer. They have experience in deploying microgrids for various applications, including military bases, universities, and commercial buildings. This experience enables them to understand the unique energy needs and challenges faced by different types of customers and design solutions that meet those needs.

Ameresco's MaaS offering includes financing, design, construction, and operation of microgrids. They work with customers from the initial feasibility study to the final installation and operation of the microgrid. Their financing options include Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs), and other financing models that enable customers to deploy microgrid solutions without significant upfront investment.

Ameresco's MaaS solutions leverage advanced software and control technologies to optimise microgrid performance and energy efficiency. They integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, with energy storage systems, such as batteries and fuel cells, to ensure that the microgrid operates at peak performance and energy usage is optimised. The microgrid can also be connected to the grid, enabling the customer to sell excess energy back to the utility company, creating a new revenue stream.

In addition to their MaaS offering, Ameresco is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious goals to reduce their carbon footprint and help customers achieve their sustainability goals. They work with customers to develop customised solutions that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, while improving energy efficiency and resilience.

Overall, Ameresco's MaaS offering is a comprehensive solution that provides customers with a customised microgrid solution that can meet their specific energy needs. Their experience in deploying microgrids for various applications, combined with their commitment to sustainability, makes them a strong player in the MaaS market.

2. Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is a multinational corporation that offers energy management and automation solutions. Their MaaS offering is delivered through their Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) platform, which includes microgrid design, installation, and financing. Schneider Electric has experience in designing and deploying microgrids for various applications, including data centres, hospitals, and commercial buildings. Their MaaS solution leverages advanced software and control technologies to optimise microgrid performance and energy efficiency.

This broad experience enables them to understand the unique energy needs and challenges faced by different types of customers and design solutions that meet those needs.

Schneider Electric's MaaS solution is focused on optimising microgrid performance and energy efficiency. They leverage advanced software and control technologies to ensure that the microgrid operates at peak performance and energy usage is optimised. This includes the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, and energy storage systems, such as batteries and fuel cells. The microgrid can also be connected to the grid, enabling the customer to sell excess energy back to the utility company, creating a new revenue stream.

Schneider Electric's EaaS platform provides customers with a range of financing options to help them overcome the financial barriers to adopting microgrid solutions. Customers can choose from a range of financing models, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs), and other financing options. These financing models enable customers to deploy microgrid solutions without significant upfront investment, helping them to stabilise their energy costs and improve energy efficiency.

In addition to their MaaS offering, Schneider Electric is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious goals to reduce their carbon footprint and help customers achieve their sustainability goals. They work with customers to develop customised solutions that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, while improving energy efficiency and resilience.

Overall, Schneider Electric's MaaS offering is a comprehensive solution that combines advanced software and control technologies with financing options to provide customers with a cost-effective and sustainable solution for their energy needs. Their experience in designing and deploying microgrids for various applications, combined with their commitment to sustainability, makes them a strong player in the MaaS market.

1. ENGIE

Number one on the list for top MaaS company goes to ENGIE - a multinational energy company that is at the forefront of the energy transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

ENGIE's Microgrid-as-a-Service (MaaS) offering is a comprehensive solution that provides customers with everything from end-to-end support in designing, financing, installing and even operating microgrids.

One of the key strengths of ENGIE's MaaS offering is their experience in deploying microgrids in a variety of settings. They have installed microgrids in campuses, remote communities, and industrial settings, giving them a broad understanding of the energy needs and challenges faced by different types of customers. This experience enables them to design and implement customised solutions that meet the unique requirements of each customer.

ENGIE's MaaS offering is also focused on renewable energy sources and energy storage systems, which can help customers reduce their carbon footprint and improve energy resilience. They offer a range of solutions that include solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems such as batteries and fuel cells. These systems are integrated into the microgrid to provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy for customers.

In addition to providing renewable energy solutions, ENGIE's MaaS' leverage advanced energy management and control technologies.

They offer a range of software and hardware solutions for microgrid control, including their energy management platform, which provides real-time monitoring and control of the microgrid. This allows for the optimization of energy usage and ensures that supply and demand are balanced at all times.

ENGIE's commitment to sustainability extends beyond their solutions and is at the core of their business strategy. They work with their customers to develop customised solutions that reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions, and waste while improving energy efficiency and resilience. This approach not only benefits the environment but also helps customers reduce their energy costs.

ENGIE's MaaS offering is a truly comprehensive solution that combines renewable energy sources, energy storage systems and advanced energy management and control technologies.

Their experience and ability to deploy microgrids in such diverse settings, combined with their commitment to sustainability, makes them one of the strongest players in the MaaS market, and number one on our list of Top 10 Microgrid-as-a-service (Maas) companies.

Share

Featured Articles

Data Centre Veteran Guy Willner joins Apto as Senior Advisor

Apto announces the appointment of Guy Willner as Senior Advisor, hoping to strengthen its standing in across the European hyperscale data centre market

JLL: Secondary Markets Will Drive 2024 Data Centre Growth

A new data centre report by JLL finds that data centre demand is shifting focus to new markets, as demand for data centre space and capacity continues

The Future of Low Carbon Heat with Mitsubishi Electric

With insights from Mitsubishi Electric’s Shahid Rahman, Data Centre Magazine considers the future of low carbon heat within data centres

How Google Continues to Power Carbon-Free Energy in Arizona

Schneider Electric & NVIDIA to Deliver Robust Data Centre AI

International Data Centre Day: Prioritising Future-Proofing