Here are some real-world examples of large-scale microgrids in urban areas:
1. San Diego, California
- Description: San Diego is implementing multiple microgrids across its city facilities, including its port, zoo, and two military bases. The city is further enhancing its infrastructure by developing eight more microgrids that incorporate solar power, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging.
- Features: Designed to improve reliability and resilience, these microgrids are integral to San Diego’s smart city initiatives.
2. Montgomery County, Maryland
- Location: Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot
- Description: A 5.6 MW microgrid project under construction includes distributed energy generation, energy storage, and over 2 MW of charging capacity. This microgrid aims to help Montgomery County achieve net-zero emissions by 2035.
- Features: The project utilizes an energy-as-a-service model, with design and build responsibilities handled by AlphaStruxure, a joint venture between Schneider Electric and the Carlyle Group.
3. Menlo Park, California
- Description: A microgrid project funded by Meta (Facebook) aims to serve a Red Cross facility in Menlo Park. This solar-plus-storage microgrid is typical of the tech industry’s embrace of microgrid technology.
- Features: Combines solar power generation with energy storage to improve resilience and reduce reliance on the traditional grid.
4. Jersey City, New Jersey
- Description: The city is developing a municipal services microgrid as part of a $15 million energy savings improvement program. This microgrid will integrate electric garbage trucks, making it unique.
- Features: The project is led by Schneider Electric, incorporating solar and storage solutions.
5. Los Angeles, California – Washington Bus Yard Project
- Description: A significant microgrid is being developed to support a 7.5 MW electric vehicle charging system. This microgrid is powered by solar and storage and is part of Los Angeles’s plan to transition its transportation fleet to all-electric by 2028.
- Features: With funding from the California Energy Commission, this project is described as one of the largest of its kind in the U.S.
6. Boston’s Frontline Communities
- Description: Efforts like the RUN-GJC Project in Chelsea and Chinatown aim to establish cloud-based microgrids for climate resilience. These microgrids focus on providing energy to low-income housing and local hospitals.
- Features: Funded by various organizations, the goal is to create fossil-free zones and ensure energy access during grid failures.
These examples highlight the diverse applications of microgrids in urban settings, from enhancing resilience and energy independence to integrating renewable energy sources.
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