An $18 million program to install a state-wide micro grid, powered by distributed gas-fired turbines, is underway in the US costal state of Connecticut. Deployment is fast-tracked in response to hurricane Sandy, with $18 million in funding made available through the ‘DEEP Microgrid Pilot Program’.
The funds go to nine micro grid projects in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Groton, Hartford, Middletown, Storrs, Windham, and Woodbridge.
Another $30m for distributed power
“Microgrids play a major role in our efforts to modernize and harden our infrastructure to withstand severe weather. These projects will help protect residents and vital public services even when the power goes out, and in doing so allow us to provide critical services during times of emergency.
“Over the next two years, I’ve recommended an additional $30 million in funding for the state’s micro grid program to strengthen more Connecticut communities,” Connecticut’s Governor Dan Malloy commented.
Buildings earmarked to receive back-up power are used by government services and emergency response teams such as police, fire, hospitals and health care facilities, state and town emergency response centres, grocery stores, and gas stations. The other micro-grids are being funded by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Governor Malloy had passed a bill addressing public safety with the storms and severe weather with Public Act 12-148.
Microgrids installed in nine counties
The state’s most populous city of Bridgeport, with 144,229 residents, is receiving about £3 million for three 600 kW natural gas micro-turbines for its City hall, police station, and senior centre. A large fuel cell is also being built in Bridgeport.
The University of Hartford campus and St. Francis Hospital will spend $2.27 million to add a 250 kW and a 150 kW diesel generator to two existing 1.9MW diesel generators. Hartford’s Parkville Cluster school, senior centre, library, supermarket, gas station will be powered by a 600 kW natural gas turbine valued at $2.06 million.
In Fairfield, a police station, emergency operations centre, cell tower, fire headquarters, and public homeless shelter are receiving a 50 kW natural gas reciprocating engine, 250 kW natural gas reciprocating engine, and 47 kW solar PV, valued at $1 million.
Wesleyan University campus and athletic centre in Middletown will build a 2.4 MW and 676kW natural gas CHP reciprocating engine. University of Connecticut Depot Campus at Storrs will have a 400 kW fuel cell and 6.6 kW PV of solar generation.
Windham’s two schools will have 130 kW natural gas, 250 kW solar, 200 kWh battery; two kW diesel turbines. Woodbridge’s Police station, fire station, Department of Public Works, town hall will get a 1.6MW natural gas turbine and a 400kW fuel cell, worth $3 million.