🌐 Plugged In: DER people Meet-Up

​Join us at 9Zero for a casual meetup on microgrids and distributed energy resources (DERs) — solar, storage, VPPs, demand response, and more. Whether you’re building projects or just starting to learn, you’re welcome to join us.

​This time, we'll hear from Akhilesh Bakshi. Akhilesh is an Engineering Lead at Camus Energy, where he leads grid modeling, analytics and optimization efforts. Prior to joining Camus, he led the development of Enel X's behind-the-meter economic optimization engine, from prototype to production for hundreds of applications globally. Akhilesh holds a Ph.D. from MIT, specializing in computational science and energy systems.

​Here’s the agenda:

• ​Mingling, Name Tags + Snacks

• ​Welcome + Intros

• ​20 minute - Akhilesh presents on flexible grid connections

• ​10 min - Q&A with Akhilesh

• ​30 minutes -

  • ​Small Group Chats – what technologies are you experimenting with? Where are you getting stuck? What trends or partnerships are you tracking?

  • ​Open Networking + curated introductions to help connect participants with shared interests

​Abstract

​The electric grid is becoming increasingly complex, rendering traditional planning and operational paradigms inadequate. On the one hand, the exponential growth in data centers and rapid adoption of DERs are fundamentally reshaping when, where and how much electricity is being consumed and produced. On the other hand, the escalating cost of new infrastructure is delaying, or canceling, grid expansion and utility-scale interconnection projects. Flexible grid connections offer a path forward, replacing the traditional “build first, connect later” model with a new paradigm: connect now, operate flexibly during the hours the grid is constrained. This approach enables interconnection projects to reach full operation years sooner, while maximizing the efficiency of existing infrastructure, maintaining reliability, and improving affordability for all customers. In this session, we will define what flexibility means in practice and discuss the technical challenges and real-world lessons learned from deploying these solutions at scale.

​This is a 🌐 9Zero Cluster Meetup, sector-specific groups led by experts. With digital tools and in-person meetups, they help 9Zero members build relationships with leaders in their space.

​About 9Zero: We’re a members-only community of founders, investors, scientists, and innovators accelerating climate solutions through meaningful relationships. Apply to join at www.9Zero.com