Take the Power Back

A journey to Electrical Autonomy
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-032-65491-1
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 216 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm, Gewicht: 453 g

“Take the Power Back” is a practical and inspiring guide for anyone ready to rethink energy, including individuals, communities, companies and institutions. At a time of rising energy costs, climate uncertainty and ageing infrastructure, this book presents a clear choice: remain dependent on centralised systems or take action to establish clean, resilient, locally managed microgrids. Microgrids are more than just technical solutions — they're opportunities. They enable communities to generate, store and manage their own energy, thereby reducing their exposure to price volatility and their dependence on fossil fuels. They offer environmental benefits, economic resilience, and the chance to solve local problems with local solutions. This handbook explores the 'why' and 'how' of microgrids — from residential rooftops to community-scale systems. It covers essential components such as solar panels, batteries, smart meters, and control systems, as well as governance, regulation, and financial models. Whether through turnkey providers or community-owned systems, microgrids are both achievable and adaptable. However, this is also a story of empowerment. The book highlights the rise of the 'prosumer' — citizens who produce and manage their own energy — and the role of community engagement in shaping a sustainable future. With real-world examples and practical advice, “Take the Power Back” demonstrates that energy autonomy is possible and within reach. We have a choice. We can act. Together, we can build energy systems that are cleaner, smarter and fairer.

Zielgruppe

Academic and Postgraduate

Autoren/Hrsg.

Fragniere, Emmanuel

Fragnière, Emmanuel

Sullivan, George

Viret, Loic

Viret, Loïc

Fachgebiete

• Technische Wissenschaften Energietechnik | Elektrotechnik Alternative und erneuerbare Energien
• Geisteswissenschaften Architektur Ökologische Aspekte in der Architektur
• Technische Wissenschaften Technik Allgemein Mess- und Automatisierungstechnik
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Wirtschaftssektoren & Branchen Energie- & Versorgungswirtschaft
• Technische Wissenschaften Energietechnik | Elektrotechnik Elektrotechnik
• Technische Wissenschaften Energietechnik | Elektrotechnik Energieverteilung, Stromnetze

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface. Foreword. Introduction. 1. The Why: Is Energy Autonomy Right for You? 2. The What:

Building Blocks of Energy Independence. 3. How Do We Implement a Microgrid? 4. Who Leads

the Energy Evolution and What’s Next? 5. Greenberg Family’s Journey through Energy

Autonomy. Glossary. Biography.

Über Autor(innen)

Dr Emmanuel Fragnière, CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), is a professor of service design, innovation, and risk management at the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland (HES-SO Valais-Wallis). His research focuses on developing design methodologies for the service sector, particularly in the energy and tourism industries. He has contributed to the advancement of sustainable energy planning by integrating geographic information systems (GIS), stochastic programming, and behavioral modeling. Dr Fragnière's work has been published in leading academic journals such as Management Science, Interfaces, Annals of Operations Research, Environmental Modelling and Assessment, and Service Science. He is also the co-author of Risk Management: Safeguarding Company Assets (Crisp Series, 2006; 2015 edition). Alongside his academic work, he participates in service innovation labs and international research projects that aim to improve decision-making and strategic planning in complex service environments, particularly with regard to the challenges of energy transition, sustainability, and social acceptance of micro smart grid technologies (e.g., o-cei.eu).  George Sullivan is a published and well-recognized subject matter expert in federal US Government contracting and procurement, having worked for both the Government for 10 years as a contracting specialist and officer in defense and non-defense agencies and over seven years for private industry as a contracts and compliance manager and director for public, private, and non-profit corporations in both the defense and energy sectors. He is an NCMA certified federal contract manager and licensed to practice law in California and Florida. He holds a JD from Florida International University (cum laude - 2008), and MBA from Thunderbird Graduate School of Global Management (2003), and BA in Russian Studies from UCLA (1996). He currently resides with his wife and two daughters in Northern Virginia, USA.

Loïc Viret is a Swiss entrepreneur with solid international experience in industry and renewable energy. As a specialist in energy storage, he is currently developing large-scale projects, notably in collaboration with several electricity distributors. His technical background is complemented by an MBA (with a specialization in risk analysis) and a degree in educational training. He regularly lectures at EPFL and HES and leads masterclasses on energy self-sufficiency. In 2023, he received the Industry 4.0 Award “The Shapers”, a distinction

awarded to individuals and companies in French-speaking Switzerland for their contribution to the advancement of innovation in Switzerland.