Differentiating microgrids. It is important to differentiate the category “microgrids” from other terms and concepts with which it is often conflated or confused. Indeed, microgrids must be distinguished from smart grids, mini-grids, active distribution networks (ADNs) or energy communities, to name some of these related terms and concepts stemming from international technical literature (and not necessarily referring to legally defined notions). This is an uneasy task, however, as they often overlap, as shown by the figure below. Smart grids Other concepts Mini-grids Microgrids Energy communities ADNs Figure 1 – Representation of the interrelationship between microgrids and other similar concepts and terms First, a smart grid can be defined as: an electricity network that can intelligently integrate the actions of all users connected to it – generators, consumers and those that assume both roles – in order to efficiently deliver sustainable, economic and secure electricity supplies. A smart grid employs innovative products and services together with intelligent monitoring, control, communication and self-healing technologies [19]. There is a close relationship between microgrids and smart grids. However, smart grids take place at a higher network level (including transmission and distribution) and on a broader geographical scale [20]. Yet, it should be noted that modern microgrids, which run entirely on variable RES (or are progressively reaching this target), need to be smart. Indeed, in order to constantly balance electricity production and demand, intelligent monitoring and control of production, storage and consumption assets is key [21]. In sum, in the future, the vast majority of microgrids will be smart grids, but not all smart grids will be microgrids. Secondly, according to XXXXX, a mini-grid is an “integrated energy infrastructure, based on distributed power-generation […]. Although normally autonomous, these can also connect to the main grid”[22]. In general, the term mini-grid is used for “remote and island communities”, especially those that are burgeoning in developing countries in order to provide electricity access in rural areas [23]. The main confusion between microgrids and mini-grids comes from the fact that (i) both systems are generally small in geographical size and installed capacity, and (ii) sometimes isolated grids are qualified as microgrids (although they are not the same). To clarify, in principle, microgrids are grid-connected but can island and reconn...
