In 2023 there were over 34 million admissions to U.S. hospitals. [1] The healthcare centers need to prioritize uninterrupted power to ensure these patients are afforded life saving care. Yet, hospitals also need to control energy costs within tight budgets to ensure resources are available for patient care. Distributed generation can provide solutions such as emergency backup power, renewables, and combined heat and power that are both resilient in times of emergency and cost-effective.
Universities are leading the way to a greener future by incorporating solar, wind, and geothermal into their campuses. These systems deliver increased power reliability and reduce operational costs all while significantly cutting their carbon footprint.
Given that U.S. commercial and institutional buildings, which include university campuses, account for roughly 16% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to cleaner energy sources is critical. Notably, education buildings consumed the most natural gas (328 TBtu) in 2018 of all commercial building sectors, underscoring the need for energy diversification. [2]
Fortify your correctional facility's security and sustainability with our distributed generation solutions. We implement microgrids, integrating solar, wind, and battery storage, to guarantee uninterrupted power for critical operations during grid outages. Our systems comply with and exceed NFPA 110 standards, ensuring continuous operation of security, lighting, and life safety equipment.
Military bases symbolize resilience and security. Their power systems must also live up to this high standard. Distributed generation systems ensure mission-critical power continuity, even in the face of grid disruptions or cyber threats. They enhance operational readiness and reduce dependence on vulnerable infrastructure.
Explore these public case studies where businesses and organizations have achieved energy savings, increased resilience, and reduced their environmental impact using distributed energy resources.
Technologies: Natural Gas Combined Heat and Power
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City implemented a combined heat and power (CHP) plant in 2009 to decrease harmful emissions and increase energy efficiency. The CHP system features a gas turbine drive, a 7,500 kW electric generator, and a heat recovery boiler with duct firing. This on-site system operates in a synchronous parallel configuration with the utility grid, with supplemental power from Consolidated Edison. The installation was designed to fit within the existing boiler plant location. This CHP system is expected to save the hospital approximately $5 million per year by generating 100% of the hospital's base electrical load and two-thirds of its peak electrical load, reducing purchased power by 80%, increasing firm steam capacity by 23%, and reducing CO2 produced by 67,000 tons annually. Additionally, it provides a 100% redundant power source for inpatient areas.
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Technologies: Microgrid, CHP, Fuel Cell, Solar PV
The University of California San Diego (UCSD) microgrid stands as a leading example of sustainable campus energy solutions. Initiated in 2011 with the ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025, UCSD has developed a resilient and secure energy distribution system. This extensive microgrid generates over 85% of the campus's annual electricity, utilizing a 30-megawatt combined heat and power (CHP) plant, a 2.8-megawatt renewable energy fuel cell, and 2.4 megawatts of solar arrays. The CHP system, a key component, achieves high thermal efficiency and significantly reduces CO2 emissions, showcasing UCSD's commitment to clean and efficient distributed generation.
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Technologies: Microgrid, Fuel Cell CHP, Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage
The Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California, the state's third-largest, demonstrates a proactive approach to energy management and resilience through its smart microgrid. In response to energy needs and California’s energy challenges, Alameda County initiated a series of upgrades, beginning with a 1.2 MW solar photovoltaic system and central plant retrofits. Subsequent additions included a 1-MW fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) system, later upgraded to 1.4 MW, and a 2 MW battery storage system. This comprehensive microgrid enables the jail to operate independently of the main grid, ensuring uninterrupted power, especially during events like Public Safety Power Shutoffs. The CHP system further enhances efficiency by utilizing waste heat for hot water and space heating, achieving a 58% total efficiency and reducing NOX emissions.
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Technologies: Microgrid, Solar PV, Traditional Fossil Fuel Generators, Landfill Gas, Battery Energy Storage
The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar has implemented a phased microgrid project, demonstrating the evolution of distributed generation. Initially, the microgrid integrated solar photovoltaic systems with traditional fossil fuel generators. Subsequent phases expanded the system to incorporate landfill gas as a renewable fuel source, alongside advanced battery energy storage. This comprehensive approach has enhanced energy resilience, reduced reliance on the traditional grid, and showcased the viability of integrating diverse distributed generation resources in a large-scale operational setting.
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