Dive Brief:
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The California Energy Commission has issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) for $44.7 million for the demonstration and deployment of microgrids that can help the state transition to a grid with more distributed energy resources.
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The Grant Funding Opportunity (GFO) aims to “take microgrids to the next level” by soliciting projects that “will provide a clear path to commercially viable microgrids.”
- The solicitation calls for projects at military bases, ports, disadvantaged communities, Native American tribes and other communities within investor-owned utility service territories.
Dive Insight:
In its first iteration, California made $26.5 million in microgrid grants available, with the goal of boosting energy storage and renewable energy deployment. Those projects are now under way and have facilitated "the collection of valuable data on performance, value streams and reliability," according to the new RFP document.
In the new grant soliciation, the state is looking to move microgrid projects into commercialization, aiming to identify revenue opportunities and potentially craft a more standard approach to these projects.
The funding falls into three categories: $22 million for military bases, ports, and Native American tribes; $11.7 million for disadvantaged communities, and $11 million to commercialize microgrids at other locations, including rural areas, industrial complexes, universities and schools. Individual grants would range from $2 million to $7 million. Winners must provide matching funds of 20% to 25%.
Roughly $7 million is designated for microgrid clusters, which uses a “grid of microgrid” concept to enhance efficiency. A microgrid cluster, either co-located or virtual, would link together several microgrids “to reach higher capabilities and a more rapid commercialization.”