Alternative Resource Group (ARG): Powering the Future through Blockchain and Microgrid
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Alternative Resource Group (ARG): Powering the Future through Blockchain and Microgrid

Michael Lumbley, COO, Alternative Resource Group (ARG)Michael Lumbley, COO
With the network of smart and clean energy systems becoming popular, the era of large-scale power plants is coming to an end, albeit slowly. Alongside the rollout of the smart technology paraphernalia and renewable energy as an alternative to fossil fuel-based energy sources, new peer-to-peer platforms that include blockchain are finding their way into the power and utility sector. Developing blockchain applications for the energy sector can cut out the third-party intermediaries involved in handling the transactions, thereby connecting the energy producers directly with the consumers. In this climate, an energy infrastructure developer startup by the name of Alternative Resource Group
(ARG) is making heads turn. “We are developing a blockchain energy management and transaction platform that is capable of establishing a decentralized power supply system,” says Michael Lumbley, COO, Alternate Resource Group. By working with the Energy Blockchain Consortium and the Cognida Foundation—organizations that address energy problems and solutions—to create a standardized protocol, ARG has achieved the unique combination of technical and industry expertise to develop its solutions.

According to Mr. Lumbley, the inherent vulnerabilities and flaws of the existing grid system stem from its physical behavior. The vastness in the generation, transmission, and distribution of power leads to physical complexities that increase with growing interconnections. Moreover, power system failures and blackouts can bring factories and other critical plants to a standstill. Often referred to as distributed generation sources, microgrids which are localized energy units can overcome these predicaments. Besides being an alternative to large-scale energy production models, microgrids make the power system self-sustained in the event of some major occurrences including voltage surges and blackouts.

To cater to the exclusive requirements of its clientele, especially control over the costing and reliability of electrical energy, ARG offers energy storage devices and solutions for unlimited remote power and clean energy. As the time-of-use fees and demand charges account for the lion’s share of the expenses, ARG has designed its energy storage solutions to help its clients save electricity costs significantly. By using solar as a renewable resource of energy, the firm helps its clients in meeting the increasing clean energy demands of the present day. The company adopts a pollution-free approach and sets an example by using non-toxic, non-flammable energy storage equipment. “Unlike many systems, ARG’s power system is designed to operate in any weather or environmental condition,” Mr. Lumbley mentions.

Referring to a use case, Mr. Lumbley recounts the story of one of Frigitek’s cold storage projects in Millville, NJ where ARG successfully implemented its solutions for load management and emission reduction, thereby saving a significant amount on operational cost. Much before the project implementation stage, ARG evaluated the client’s geographical region and the environment in order to customize its solution to the highest degree of optimization. This approach allowed the company to quickly identify the technology to be implemented for effective operational cost savings. They installed a battery storage equipment along with the Viking Cold thermal component that maintained the temperature around the cold storage. This helped the client to manage daytime peak demand and achieve permitted carbon credit limits.

Being the lowest cost option among renewable energy resources, solar energy is becoming an economical choice for green power. By using its innovative energy solutions, ARG ensures that the assets outperform the expectations, which according to the firm is a remarkable testament to the technology they use. Lumbley believes that collaboration between different key players in the market and uniform standardization can make the technology landscape of the energy industry touch new highs. He adds, “Best solutions when brought together will form an ultimate solution that can meet the energy demands of today and the times to come.”

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Top 10 Smart Grid Consulting/Services Companies - 2018

Company
Alternative Resource Group (ARG)

Headquarters
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Management
Michael Lumbley, COO

Description
A clean energy project development group and its blockchain based energy management and transaction platform