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Hoboken microgrid would help city prep for storms
After Superstorm Sandy in 2012, much of Hoboken, a small city across the Hudson River from New York City, lost power for two weeks. Scott Wood writes for Smart Grid News that Hoboken will a rely on a microgrid for critical energy during future storms.
Some 55 structures, including police and fire stations and housing for seniors and low-income residents, would draw energy from the miniature grid. It would function even if the larger power network is knocked offline.
The microgrid would enable vulnerable citizens to “shelter in place,” freeing up emergency responders for other priorities. The microgrid would use mostly natural gas, but also some renewable energy, for power. Over time, the city hopes to increase the portion of power coming from renewables.
Wood is a program manager for EDF Climate Corps, one of several organizations assisting with the grid’s implementation. The city is receiving technical assistance from the U. S. Department of Energy and Sandia National Labs.
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