The self-sufficient energy systems will help the city improve its resiliency during power outages.

Eight solar-powered “microgrids” will be installed at municipal facilities in San Diego as part of the city’s effort to reduce carbon emissions and prepare for power outages. According to an article by Ysabelle Kempe in Smart Cities Dive, the microgrids are “local, self-sufficient energy systems that can function independently from the larger grid.”
As Kempe explains, “The buildings selected for microgrid installation will be able to serve communities during grid outages, acting as shelters or supply distribution centers. The city likened installing the microgrids to installing a backup diesel generator, but without the greenhouse gas emissions.”
Despite their utility, microgrids are rare because they require a significant outlay of upfront investment. “Shell New Energies, an arm of the Dutch oil giant Shell, is partially funding San Diego’s microgrids. The energy company will develop, own and operate the microgrids. The projects are also supported by $950,000 in grants from the California Energy Commission.”
San Diego estimates the microgrids will save the city $6 million in electricity costs over the next 25 years and will “bring the city closer to its 2035 goal to power all municipal buildings with renewable energy.”
FULL STORY: Solar-powered ‘microgrids’ coming to San Diego public buildings as first of 8 projects breaks ground

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
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Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
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MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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