What is a Nanogrid? Small-Scale Clean Energy for Resilient Power

Key Takeaways

• Nanogrids are decentralized, self-sufficient energy systems ideal for off-grid and disaster-prone areas.
• They integrate renewable energy like solar and green hydrogen, offering sustainable alternatives to diesel generators.
• Mobile nanogrids can be deployed quickly and power critical infrastructure during emergencies.
• Customizable applications range from medical clinics to emergency communication centers.
• Nanogrids support climate resilience and net-zero energy goals by reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

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Extreme weather events, supercharged by climate change, are on the rise globally. We've already seen it in the U.S. this spring with increased rainfall and flooding in the Northeast. The toll taken by droughts, fires, hurricanes and storms this year is staggering, potentially matching or even surpassing last year's $145 billion in damages. 

But there's a silver lining: innovative, sustainable technologies, like Sesame Solar's mobile nanogrids with solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells, are stepping up to the challenge.

What is a Nanogrid?

A nanogrid is a small, self-contained, energy generation and distribution system. It’s typically designed to power a single building or specific load, such as a remote clinic, an emergency operations center, or a mobile command unit. Nanogrids integrate renewable energy sources (like solar panels), energy storage systems (batteries), and smart power management technologies—all in one streamlined package.

Unlike larger microgrids, nanogrids operate independently without requiring a connection to the central grid, making them ideal for off-grid or disaster-prone locations. They’re often portable, easy to deploy, and cost-effective, making them a go-to solution for emergency preparedness, rural electrification, and clean energy access.

Why Nanogrids Matter in a Changing Climate

With more than 3.5 billion people affected by climate-related disasters since 2000, according to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, there’s an urgent need for energy systems that can withstand disruption and be deployed quickly where they’re needed most. Nanogrids offer a critical solution: they deliver clean, renewable energy that doesn’t depend on vulnerable infrastructure.

From charging medical equipment and powering communication systems to providing clean water, nanogrids offer adaptable, resilient energy that can be mobilized in hours—not weeks.

Mobile Nanogrids: Power on the Move

Mobile nanogrids take things a step further by packaging the entire energy system into a movable unit—often mounted on a trailer, small enough to be transported by a truck or even airlifted to remote areas. These mobile systems are particularly valuable for disaster response, military operations, and off-grid healthcare.

Each nanogrid can be customized based on the application, including:

• Solar panels with retractable designs for increased output
• Green hydrogen fuel cells for energy storage and nighttime or cloudy-day use
• Batteries for short-term energy storage
• Atmospheric water generators to create water from humidity, used to produce hydrogen on-site
• Wind turbines in areas with consistent wind speeds

This closed-loop, renewable power system is designed for autonomy. Once deployed, it can operate with no external fuel supply chain—just sun and air.

‍Benefits of Nanogrids

A nanogrid is essentially a network of renewable energy resources, smartly managed to balance supply and demand in small-scale scenarios. Key characteristics of nanogrids include their self-sufficiency, integrating renewable power generation, controls, and usually, energy storage systems. This setup makes them particularly adaptable for use in North America and other regions where the demand for such systems is growing.  These off-grid solutions are not only reliable but also environmentally friendly, helping communities both adapt to the inevitable changes in climate and prevent those that can still be avoided. 

From charging essential devices and medical equipment, ensuring access to communications, clean water and medical aid, mobile nanogrids can be rapidly deployed and easily used in various extreme weather and emergency situations. Nanogrids are increasingly seen as key players in the transition to more sustainable, reliable, mobile energy systems, offering the following key benefits:

• Decentralized Energy Generation: Nanogrids enable the creation of decentralized energy systems, allowing single buildings or small communities to generate and manage their own power, often with renewable sources like solar or wind energy. This reduces reliance on larger, centralized power grids and promotes sustainability.

• Strengthens American Energy Independence: By reducing reliance on centralized grids and imported fuels, nanogrids empower communities to produce their own power using domestic resources, supporting innovation and energy security.

• Disaster Resilience: Nanogrids offer crucial benefits in disaster situations by providing essential services like electricity and clean water. Their small scale and mobility make them ideal for rapid deployment in emergency scenarios.

• Smart City Integration: The development of nanogrids is closely linked with the evolution of smart cities. They are expected to play a vital role in the emergence of smart, sustainable urban environments by efficiently managing energy distribution and storage.

• Autonomous Operation and Customization: Future nanogrids are likely to be increasingly autonomous, capable of generating clean power for extended periods. Their compact and customizable design makes them adaptable to various needs and situations.

• Reliable Energy Resource: They are emerging as stable and reliable energy resources, offering continuous power support, especially useful during power outages and in remote locations.

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Sesame Solar’s Renewable Mobile Nanogrid

Sesame Solar specializes in creating Mobile Nanogrids, which are compact, self-contained, mobile energy systems designed for use in critical services and emergency scenarios, as well as any off-grid power scenario. As a self-generating energy source, these Mobile Nanogrids usually produce about 100 kW. They can be clustered together to form a minigrid; however they are a Distributed Energy Resource (DER) when decoupled. Fueled by solar power and green hydrogen, Sesame Solar is the first company to make green hydrogen accessible in a mobile capacity, as well as the first to create a 100% renewably powered Mobile Nanogrid. 

Sesame Solar's Nanogrids have retractable solar walls that increase the size of the solar array, while also being easy to transport and deploy. We like to say "Open Sesame" to access the treasure of Clean Mobile Power and Turnkey Solutions Inside serving a variety of industries. The origin of Sesame Solar’s name comes from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves in the collection, The Thousand and One Nights. Orphaned and alone, Ali Baba hides in a forest and finds hidden treasure in a cave, which he accesses by saying, "Open Sesame," and he secures the entrance by saying, "Close Sesame." 

Our solar panels can fold up for ease of transport and the green hydrogen, a clean fuel, is created through a process called electrolysis that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. This hydrogen is then stored safely on board for use when needed. When Sesame’s Nanogrid batteries run low, they automatically switch to using hydrogen fuel cells for power, ensuring continuous operation. As the solar panels recharge the batteries, the system scales back on hydrogen usage. Additionally, in areas with good wind conditions, the inclusion of wind turbines can further enhance their energy production capabilities.

Sesame’s Nanogrids are also equipped with Atmospheric Water Generation, which allows them to autonomously generate the water needed to make green hydrogen gas to power the fuel cell—no supply chain required. The water is made from humidity in the air, then deionized. All you need is sunshine to generate this clean energy loop!

Each Nanogrid is tailored to specific energy needs, with components like solar panels, batteries and hydrogen systems all customized. The physical design of the Nanogrids is also adaptable, ranging from trailer-sized units to compact versions that can be airlifted.‍

‍Beyond just providing power, these Nanogrids can be configured for various uses such as mobile clinics, offices, emergency response centers, retail spaces, or military applications, making them a versatile solution for a range of scenarios. As Co-Founder and CEO Lauren Flanagan describes the Nanogrids, 

‍“The Mobile Nanogrid is powered by solar and battery, and many of them also have green hydrogen as backup power. And the Solution Inside can be a variety of things, from a mobile office to an emergency response center for first responders to a medical clinic.  It could be a communications center. There's a variety of things you can put inside it, but it's a complete solution that is ready to use and can be set up in 15 minutes by one person.” ‍‍

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The Future of Nanogrids

The future of nanogrids in clean energy technology is highly promising, with significant potential for innovation and impact. According to Allied Market Research, the global microgrid market, which includes nanogrids, is expected to reach $59.74 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 14.3%. As smart cities evolve and extreme weather becomes more frequent, demand for modular, resilient, and clean energy solutions will continue to grow.

As AI and IoT technologies become more integrated, future nanogrids will likely be fully autonomous, capable of learning energy usage patterns and optimizing power output in real-time.

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Nanogrids represent a promising approach to energy management, especially in the context of increasing adoption of renewable energy sources and the need for more efficient, reliable, localized energy solutions. These small-scale power grids are becoming increasingly significant as we seek more sustainable and efficient energy solutions, especially in the context of increasing weather events.

FAQs

1. How is a nanogrid different from a microgrid?

While both nanogrids and microgrids are decentralized energy systems, the key difference lies in scale. Nanogrids typically serve a single building or load and are often portable. Microgrids are larger, sometimes powering entire neighborhoods or campuses, and usually involve more complex control systems and interconnections. Nanogrids are easier to deploy, require less infrastructure, and are often used for temporary or emergency scenarios. They’re also well-suited for specific, targeted applications where mobility and speed of deployment are critical.

2. Can nanogrids operate without sunlight?

Yes. While most nanogrids prioritize solar energy, they are often equipped with energy storage systems such as batteries or hydrogen fuel cells that provide backup power when sunlight is unavailable. For instance, during nighttime or cloudy days, the battery bank or hydrogen fuel cell system kicks in. Some setups even include wind turbines or diesel generators as last-resort options. This hybrid model ensures 24/7 power regardless of weather conditions, making nanogrids highly reliable in emergencies.

3. What’s the role of green hydrogen in nanogrids?

Green hydrogen is created by using renewable energy (typically solar) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen—a process known as electrolysis. This hydrogen can be stored and then used to produce electricity via fuel cells, which emit only water vapor as a byproduct. In nanogrids, green hydrogen acts as a clean, efficient energy reserve when solar power is insufficient. It extends the system’s operational hours and adds resiliency, especially in off-grid or high-demand scenarios. This innovation is helping displace diesel and advance net-zero goals.

4. Are nanogrids cost-effective?

Initially, the capital cost of a nanogrid can be higher than a traditional generator. However, the long-term savings are significant. With no need for constant fuel deliveries and reduced maintenance, nanogrids offer a strong return on investment—especially in areas with unreliable grid access or high disaster risk. In addition, nanogrids qualify for federal incentives such as the Inflation Reduction Act’s renewable energy tax credits, which can offset a substantial portion of upfront costs source. Over time, their clean, autonomous design can significantly reduce operating costs and emissions.

5. Who benefits most from nanogrids?

Nanogrids are especially beneficial for frontline communities, healthcare providers, disaster response agencies, military bases, and rural areas with limited or no grid access. They're ideal for locations that face frequent natural disasters, unreliable grid infrastructure, or where energy independence is crucial. For example, a mobile clinic powered by a nanogrid can offer vital healthcare services in a region hit by a hurricane or earthquake. Similarly, a remote village without power can gain access to clean electricity and water without the need for complex infrastructure.

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