Microgrid Institute launches MassCEC Community Microgrid feasibility assessments
Boston, Pittsfield, and Palmer consider hybrid solar, hydro, CHP, and district energy option
:: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ::
:: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ::
July 31, 2018: Boston, Mass.: Microgrid Institute (MGI) this month kicked off a series of community microgrid feasibility studies that it will execute under a consulting agreement with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). In partnership with S&C Electric Co., the MGI Team serves as technical consultant for a series of three community microgrid feasibility studies in both Eversource and National Grid service territories. MGI leads the study team as prime contractor and program manager, with S&C providing microgrid modeling and analysis services.
Through the Community Microgrid Program, MassCEC awarded feasibility study and community engagement funding for 14 community microgrid feasibility studies across the state – with technical consulting support totaling up to $75,000 for each study. MassCEC convened community stakeholders and consulting teams in Worcester for a program kickoff meeting at the end of June. Subsequently, between July 16 and July 30, MGI initiated project site assessments in Boston, Pittsfield, and Palmer. Community partners supporting the project include, respectively, the City of Boston (Boston Planning and Development Agency), City of Pittsfield, and Town of Palmer, together with other government and commercial stakeholders.
As part of its work to lead the study projects and serve as technical consultant to MassCEC, MGI is engaging community stakeholders and coordinating the team’s multidisciplinary assessment of technical, financial, and business factors, including cost-benefit analysis. MGI Director Michael Burr serves as principal investigator, with support from Washington Counsel Michael Zimmer and Project Analyst Peter Douglass. S&C provides technical analysis services including technical design and cost-benefit analysis.
All three of the studies being led by MGI will assess potential to integrate solar photovoltaic generation together with battery energy storage to support resilient energy service for critical facilities in the microgrid areas. Additional resources and technology options being analyzed include hydropower and natural gas-fired combined heat and power, in multiple configurations including new district heating and cooling networks.
“We’re delighted to help Massachusetts communities improve their readiness for the next major storm or disruptive event,” said Michael Burr, MGI’s Director. “Investments in renewable energy can improve resiliency if they are paired with microgrid technologies and energy storage systems. By taking a systematic and objective approach to evaluating community needs and options, communities can be confident in decisions to invest in local energy infrastructure.”
July 31, 2018: Boston, Mass.: Microgrid Institute (MGI) this month kicked off a series of community microgrid feasibility studies that it will execute under a consulting agreement with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). In partnership with S&C Electric Co., the MGI Team serves as technical consultant for a series of three community microgrid feasibility studies in both Eversource and National Grid service territories. MGI leads the study team as prime contractor and program manager, with S&C providing microgrid modeling and analysis services.
Through the Community Microgrid Program, MassCEC awarded feasibility study and community engagement funding for 14 community microgrid feasibility studies across the state – with technical consulting support totaling up to $75,000 for each study. MassCEC convened community stakeholders and consulting teams in Worcester for a program kickoff meeting at the end of June. Subsequently, between July 16 and July 30, MGI initiated project site assessments in Boston, Pittsfield, and Palmer. Community partners supporting the project include, respectively, the City of Boston (Boston Planning and Development Agency), City of Pittsfield, and Town of Palmer, together with other government and commercial stakeholders.
As part of its work to lead the study projects and serve as technical consultant to MassCEC, MGI is engaging community stakeholders and coordinating the team’s multidisciplinary assessment of technical, financial, and business factors, including cost-benefit analysis. MGI Director Michael Burr serves as principal investigator, with support from Washington Counsel Michael Zimmer and Project Analyst Peter Douglass. S&C provides technical analysis services including technical design and cost-benefit analysis.
All three of the studies being led by MGI will assess potential to integrate solar photovoltaic generation together with battery energy storage to support resilient energy service for critical facilities in the microgrid areas. Additional resources and technology options being analyzed include hydropower and natural gas-fired combined heat and power, in multiple configurations including new district heating and cooling networks.
“We’re delighted to help Massachusetts communities improve their readiness for the next major storm or disruptive event,” said Michael Burr, MGI’s Director. “Investments in renewable energy can improve resiliency if they are paired with microgrid technologies and energy storage systems. By taking a systematic and objective approach to evaluating community needs and options, communities can be confident in decisions to invest in local energy infrastructure.”
-30-