US port looks to microgrid efficiency

With the help of a US$5m grant from the California Energy Commission, the port will build a US$7.1m test ‘microgrid’ designed, constructed and commissioned by Schneider Electric.

“Our terminals are increasingly using electric equipment to move cargo and we will need to build more energy resiliency into these operations,” said Port of Long Beach executive director Mario Cordero. “This project will help us learn more about how to keep the power, and cargo, flowing.”

Made to measure

The microgrid will consist of a solar carport, a stationary storage system and a mobile storage system that can be dispatched around the port in lieu of diesel generators in case of outages. It will compile and analyse 12 months of performance data, the results of which will be made available to other California ports.

The goal of the California Energy Commission’s grant is to accelerate development of microgrids because it says they can offer a means of isolating from the grid and can improve participation in utilities’ demand response programmes, where users agree to limit energy use during peak periods.

Long Beach’s project will also include training opportunities delivered through Long Beach City College and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.