David Hsu examines community electricity systems built around solar generation, batteries and microgrids. The conversation considers the policies and technologies challenging centralised utilities, including in places with unreliable electricity access. It compares what local and large-scale systems can offer as communities seek cleaner, affordable and dependable energy.
Seminar · Energy Engineering
'Between isolation and connectedness: understanding energy islands through the island-ness lens' with Prof Yael Parag
Yael Parag · School of Sustainability, Reichman University; Oxford Martin Programme on Rethinking Natural Resources
Mon, Mar 9, 2026 · 12:30 UTC
Yael Parag proposes degrees of isolation and connection as a framework for analysing energy systems, rather than a binary distinction between isolated islands and connected grids. The framework links infrastructure design, governance, operating practices, resource dependence and collective perceptions across spacecraft, community systems, microgrids, islands and countries. Comparative cases examine how security, independence, climate goals, costs, technical constraints, ideology and geopolitics shape these arrangements and change over time. Montserrat illustrates both vulnerabilities and oppo