MicroG is a decentralized energy solution that redesigns how electricity is produced and delivered in urban areas. Instead of relying on large, centralized grids, MicroG creates neighborhood-scale DC microgrids powered by rooftop solar panels and supported by local battery storage. Through the “Rent Rooftops” model, households, housing associations, and businesses lease unused rooftop space for solar installations. This allows residents to generate their own clean energy, share excess electricity within the community, and reduce dependence on the vulnerable central grid. Technically, the system increases efficiency by transmitting electricity in direct current (DC) within the microgrid and only converting it to alternating current (AC)(the one that we are using right now) at the point of use when needed. This reduces conversion losses, improves reliability, and makes the system more compatible with modern technologies such as electric vehicles, LED lighting, and home batteries. Smart grid integration enables real-time monitoring, load balancing, and seamless interaction with the central grid when necessary. What makes MicroG unique is its community-first design. It combines proven technologies: solar panels, batteries, and smart controls, but applies them in a way that empowers local residents. By producing energy closer to where it is consumed, MicroG delivers cheaper, greener, and more resilient electricity while fostering community ownership of the energy transition.

Urban communities today face mounting energy-related challenges due to their dependence on centralized power grids. Electricity is typically generated far from the point of consumption and transmitted over long distances through expensive infrastructure. This system is increasingly fragile: a single disruption, whether caused by severe weather, equipment failure, or cyberattacks, can cause cascading blackouts. A recent example occurred in Portugal and Spain, where millions of people lost power almost instantly. These incidents expose the vulnerability of interconnected grids and the risks of overreliance on them. Beyond fragility, centralized grids are also inefficient. Transmission and distribution losses average around 5% annually in countries like the U.S., with similar trends in Europe. Over long distances, this waste becomes more pronounced, making energy more expensive and less sustainable since more resources are required to deliver the same usable electricity. In cities such as Rotterdam, the problem is amplified by high population density and rising demand from electrification, including electric vehicles and digital infrastructure. Low-income communities are especially vulnerable, facing high energy bills, limited access to renewables, and greater exposure to outages. Without intervention, these challenges will worsen. The status quo cannot meet the growing demand for clean, affordable, and resilient electricity in modern urban environments.