Write a commentThe City of Oswego has received $100,000 in state funds to study the feasibility of installing a microgrid, an emergency backup energy system, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced recently.
Microgrids are energy systems that operate independently of main power grids and ensure critical institutions such as police and fire stations, hospitals and schools can operate during and after an emergency.
Oswego County’s numerous weather disasters over the past decade were a contributing factor to winning the award, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
In addition to serving as a backup in the case of an emergency, microgrids can also provide energy at times of high power demand.
Oswego’s proposed microgrid would leverage National Grid’s distribution system along with existing gas infrastructure and on-site equipment with new combined heat and power, renewable generation resources, intelligent control and load management, and other clean energy technologies.
Over the next several months, Oswego will assess the technical, operational and financial feasibility of the proposed microgrid, determining the best configurations and location, as well as immediate opportunities for better energy efficiency.
Once the study is complete, Oswego may be eligible to apply for state funds available for design and construction funding.
