[USA] AlphaStruxure to build microgrid at JFK airport

On January 26, 2023, AlphaStruxure, a Carlyle Group and Schneider Electric joint venture, announced an agreement to design, construct, and operate integrated microgrid infrastructure at the New Terminal One (NTO) at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.[1] The 11.34 MW microgrid will be built under an “energy-as-a-service” model, and will include about 7.7 MW of rooftop solar, 3.7 MW of fuel cells, and 2 MW/4 MWh of battery storage. It will utilize re-claimed heat to generate chilled water and heat hot water. The microgrid will consist of four power islands that include generation, storage, and automation and control systems. According to the press release, greenhouse gas emissions from the microgrid will be 38% less than grid-provided electricity.

The first gates of the 2.4 million square foot terminal are expected to be open in 2026, with full completion anticipated by 2030. NTO will rely on power from the grid, but if that is cut off, the terminal will still be able to operate through its microgrid, making it one of the first airport hubs in the region that can function off-grid. Carlyle, a private equity firm, is financing the microgrid, while Schneider Electric is providing the microgrid technology, software, and services. The terminal’s developers will pay for the project through an Energy as a Service (EaaS) contract, a long-term agreement ensuring predictable operating costs and guaranteed performance without upfront capital expenditures.

[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alphastruxure-to-design-construct-and-operate-jfks-new-terminal-one-microgrid-creating-the-largest-rooftop-terminal-solar-array-in-the-us-301731016.html

[Japan] PXiSE and Toshiba sign agreement to microgrid projects in Japan

On September 22, 2020, PXiSE Energy Solutions (PXiSE) and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions (Toshiba ESS, Headquarters: Kanagawa Prefecture) announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that provides a framework for collaboration on developing new project opportunities for microgrids with an initial focus on Japan and plans to expand to the global market.[1] Mitsui & Co., a Japanese company and PXiSE investor, will also participate in the venture. PXiSE, a Sempra Energy subsidiary based in California, produces a software-based microgrid control platform that can remotely and locally manage interconnected distributed energy resources (DER) and loads. The control platform works in real time, can be grid-connected or standalone, and is designed to efficiently dispatch resources to increase resilience of the system.

The companies believe that by combining Toshiba ESS’s energy system products and expertise in operating virtual power plants with PXiSE software they will be able to capitalize on the growing global need for more flexible and resilient energy systems. According to Guidehouse, a consulting firm formerly known as Navigant Research, the global microgrid market is expected to reach $40 billion by 2028 and total global microgrid capacity is expected to increase from 3.5 GW to 20 GW by 2028. Latin America represents the fastest growing market, but the Asia-Pacific region remains the largest overall market for microgrids and is expected to grow to 7.5 GW by 2028.[2]

[1] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/09/22/2097286/0/en/PXiSE-Energy-Solutions-and-Toshiba-Sign-Agreement-to-Develop-Renewable-Energy-and-Microgrid-Projects.html

[2] https://microgridknowledge.com/microgrids-navigant/

[USA] "Georgia Power Announces New Microgrid Project with Georgia Tech"

[Southern Company, 6 March 2019]

Georgia Power will build a new 1.4MW microgrid - the Tech Square Microgrid- at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia. The microgrid will begin operations this fall. It will serve as a research microgrid and be used to determine how well a microgrid can be integrated into and operate as part of the wider electrical grid. The microgrid will include fuel cells, battery storage, diesel generators, and a natural gas generator- but it will also be able to integrate and "accomodate microturbines, solar panels and electric vehicle chargers." Paul Bowers, Chairman, President, and CEO for Georgia Power, stated of the collaboration, " "Working with Georgia Tech gives us an opportunity to drive innovation by collaborating with one of the nation's leading research institutions while students and faculty get a firsthand learning experience on an operating power system."

[USA] “Duke Energy to Invest $500 Million in Battery Storage in the Carolinas Over the Next 15 Years”

[Duke Energy, 10 October 2018]

Duke Energy has announced their intent to invest $500 million in battery energy storage technologies in North and South Carolina over the coming 15 years. These investments will add about 300 megawatts of battery capacity in the region (currently there is less than 30 megawatts of capacity). One of Duke’s first steps towards achieving this goal is their Hot Springs Microgrid project located in North Carolina.  This project includes a 2-megawatt solar facility and a 4 megawatt lithium-ion battery project and is part of the company’s “Western Carolinas Modernization Project” which focuses on increasing the clean energy footprint in that region. Duke’s other battery storage projects include a 9-megawatt lithium-ion battery located in Asheville, a 95 kWh zinc air battery that can be found in Haywood County- both projects are in North Carolina.  Rob Caldwell, President of Duke Energy Renewables and Distributed Energy Technology, praised his company’s innovative efforts, saying, “Duke Energy is at the forefront of battery energy storage, and our investment could increase as we identify projects that deliver benefits to our customers. Utility-owned and operated projects in North Carolina and South Carolina will include a variety of system benefits that will help improve reliability for our customers and provide significant energy grid support for the region."