Microgrid Project Approval Form

How can a microgrid eficiency upgrade benefit a project?

A comprehensive project that leverages energy and water eficiency upgrades can result in avoided costs and reduced site loads, improving resilience and project payback. If microgrid controls and integration cannot be financed from cost savings, appropriations can be combined with financing to cover these costs.

How should a microgrid design be defined before awarding a contract?

Define the microgrid design before awarding the contract. If the microgrid project is implemented using a phased approach, ensure the overall design and concept is well defined before the first contract is awarded. Decisions made early in the process will impact the effectiveness of the microgrid system.

What is a microgrid & how does it work?

A microgrid is a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid. It can connect and disconnect from the grid to operate in grid-connected or island mode. Microgrids can improve customer reliability and resilience to grid disturbances.

How can agencies use appropriations to buy microgrids?

Utility services contracts. Other mechanisms such as a power purchase agreement (PPA), enhanced use lease (EUL), and utility privatization may be useful to agencies that have the authority to use them. Agencies can also use appropriations to purchase microgrids, potentially in conjunction with a privately financed procurement mechanism.

Should microgrid planning and design tools be repurposed?

While microgrid planning and design tools achieve their project goals and requirements, repurposing them to meet new or evolving requirements is often a time consuming and difficult proposition.

Can a microgrid be implemented in multiple phases?

If an agency is implementing a microgrid in multiple phases (potentially using multiple funding mechanisms), it is important that the overall concept is well defined in the early project planning. The FDA campus in Silver Spring, Maryland, included a microgrid as part of a comprehensive ESPC project implemented in three phases.