Georgia Power is partnering with Georgia Tech to open a 1.4-megawatt microgrid project in Atlanta. It will help power the larger local grid in the Midtown area, while minimizing environmental impact.
The Tech Square Microgrid will be used to evaluate how a microgrid can effectively integrate into and operate as part of the overall electrical grid. It will also serve as a living laboratory for Georgia Tech researchers who will use it to gather data on controllers, cybersecurity devices, and energy economics.
“The Tech Square Microgrid is a proven innovative project that will help us better understand microgrids to help service our customers. It brings energy storage and data front and center for research. The Microgrid’s distributed energy resources are vital to enhancing grid resiliency and bringing sustainable energy solutions to Georgia’s communities,” Chris Womack, Georgia Power CEO, said. “Georgia Tech is one of the nation’s leading research institutions and has been an integral partner in allowing their students and teachers to learn how these systems will interact not only with our grid but also with the CODA building on the Georgia Tech campus. It’s by collectively working together through projects like this that we will build a brighter energy future for our state.”
The installation will include fuel cells, battery storage, diesel generators, and a natural gas generator. It will be able to adapt to new and additional distributed energy resources, and microturbines, solar panels, and electric vehicle chargers may be added in future.
“Georgia Tech is committed to addressing the most consequential challenges of our time,” Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera said. “That involves advancing science and technology, developing leaders who can create and deploy new solutions, and leading by example with our own practices. This microgrid is a great illustration of the latter. In our partnership with Georgia Power and the Georgia Public Service Commission, we will be developing and adopting some of the most advanced, efficient, and responsible energy solutions available in the hope we can serve as an example for others.”