Microgrids can provide resiliency during extreme weather events
Extreme weather events are occurring all around us, and we need to find more effective ways to protect our communities from the impacts.
As extreme weather events continue to grow in both quantity and severity, we need to prepare for the new normal. One of the best ways to do that is by protecting our power infrastructure.
Microgrids are becoming increasingly popular in achieving energy security because they provide ride-through capability during grid outages. Look no further than NYU’s microgrid around Washington Square—it was able to keep the lights on following Superstorm Sandy back in 2012.
So, how can we design and implement microgrids to benefit communities elsewhere around the world?
Let's start by looking at texas
In February 2021, Winter Storm Uri swept through the southern United States causing record snowfall and low temperatures.
It was particularly devastating in Texas as the infrastructure there was not designed for these types of winter conditions. The result? A crisis of energy supply and energy demand.
As temperatures in the region dropped, Texans were understandably heating their homes to stay warm. This resulted in the Texas electrical grid, which is largely isolated from the national grid, hitting a new peak in energy demand. At the same time, the state’s ability to generate power was stymied by the cold temperatures. Oil and gas pipelines froze, wind farms were iced over—even nuclear power plants taken offline due to these frigid conditions.
With energy supplies at record lows and energy demand at record highs, communities in Texas found themselves without power for days.
During the aftermath, more than 3.5 million Texans experienced power outages, and this impacted them in several ways.
What if texas had integrated microgrids?
Blackouts
Water Shortages
Food Insecurity
General Chaos
Homes were cut off from the electrical grid and people were left without electricity to keep the lights on, heat their homes, or charge their devices to keep in touch with loved ones.
While these homes were without electricity, residents were running water so that their pipes didn’t freeze. This resulted in a water shortage and a water boil notice where residents were advised to boil tap water before use.
In the days following Uri, hotel rooms were scarce, and people slept in places like furniture stores to stay warm. Gas stations were overrun as some people were forced to stay warm in their cars. Even blankets were difficult to find, leaving some of our most vulnerable people without support.
Without power, residents were unable to cook meals in their homes. They were also unable to preserve perishable food. This led to long lines at restaurants and grocery stores, which were struggling to keep up with demand. Food banks were flooded with hungry families.
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Microgrids can offer a solution to these challenges and provide energy security for communities during times of need.
They are what they sound like: A small, self-sustaining local energy grid. Microgrids serve a relatively small geographic footprint, and have the capability to utilize local generation sources to meet their energy demands. They can rely on traditional fuel sources, like diesel and natural gas, or include innovative and renewable energy resources, like solar, wind, and battery energy storage. There is no single microgrid playbook; it's about combining energy resources to meet the local needs.
Microgrids provide a stable local grid that people can rely on during black outs. Why? Because they allow communities to disconnect from the traditional grid and operate autonomously. By decentralizing and integrating renewable resources, microgrids can improve sustainability, and reliability for a more resilient grid overall.
In the case of Winter Storm Uri, microgrids may have been able to keep oil and gas lines running, safeguard our water systems, ensure emergency facilities remain online, and minimize the impact to public transportation and safety.
Everyone can benefit from microgrids.
Who can benefit from microgrids?
From university campuses to military bases, there are many ways we can implement microgrids to provide resiliency to communities in need. However, its crucial to understand that each unique scenario requires unique planning and design—a cookie cutter approach will likely not work. It takes robust engagement to determine the wants and needs of our clients.
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Institutions like hospitals need to have power to operate even in extreme circumstances. The high value of energy reliability creates a good opportunity for microgrid solutions.
Rural and remote
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Microgrid solutions are allowing rural and remote energy systems to integrate new energy resources—like renewables—that reduce their reliance on fossil fuel generation.
Adapting existing electricity systems to include microgrid solutions is an area of regulatory and policy innovation that aims to increase resilience at the community-level.
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Look no further than NYU’s microgrid around Washington Square—it was able to keep the lights on following Superstorm Sandy back in 2012.
So, how can we design and implement microgrids to benefit communities elsewhere around the world?
This resulted in the Texas electrical grid, which is largely isolated from the national grid, hitting a new peak in energy demand. At the same time, the state’s ability to generate power was stymied by the cold temperatures. Oil and gas pipelines froze, wind farms were iced over—even nuclear power plants taken offline due to these frigid conditions.
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