Potential Microgrids at Critical
Facilities Evaluation Status
Report
February 7, 2022
Transportation & Environment Committee
Item d.2
Walter Lin, Deputy Director, Public Works
What are Microgrids?
• Localized energy grid consisting of distributed energy resources – Solar photovoltaic systems
– Battery energy storage systems
– Backup generators
– Other renewable power generation
• Autonomous switching on and off from utility grid
– Load reduction from grid and provides resiliency from planned or unplanned power outages
What are Microgrids?
Benefits of Microgrids
• Provides power reliability and increased quality
• Can reduce utility power needs for a facility
• Continues power service for essential operations during planned and unplanned utility power outages
Program Background
• Identification of critical City facilities that currently do not have back up power infrastructure
• Planning for resiliency with cleaner technologies
• September 1, 2020: City Council approval of consultant services to assist in microgrid feasibility studies and project identification
Funding and Grant Opportunities
• Public Safety Power Shutdown program funds
• FEMA “Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities” (BRIC) grant
• Infrastructure funding discussions with the State
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
City of Fremont: Microgrid PPA Program
Site Ranking Criteria
Ranking Criteria and Weighting Scheme
1 Facility Need 35%
1.1Mission Criticality 35%
1.2Community Equity (Based on Median Household Income) 35%
1.3Outage Level 30%
2 Suitability 15%
2.1 Site Resource 25%
2.2Nature of Load 75%
3 Development Capacity 30%
3.1Microgrid Potential (Community or Campus) 15%
3.2 Space for Development 85%
4 Financial Viability 20%
4.1 Size of Load 50%
4.2 Existing Generation 50%
Total 100%
Site Rankings of Critical Sites
New City Development Projects
• Fire Station 37
– Solar photovoltaics and generator
• Fire Training Center and Emergency Operation Center
– Solar photovoltaics and generator
– Future battery energy storage system
• Solar4America Project
– Bloom Energy fuel cell system and generator
Conclusion
• Resource challenges
• Additional assessment work
• Recommendation for projects at Roosevelt
Community Center and Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Potential Microgrids at Critical
Facilities Evaluation Status
Report
February 7, 2022
Transportation & Environment Committee
Item d.2
Walter Lin, Deputy Director, Public Works