Renewable

May 27 (Renewables Now) - California’s Solano County, in partnership with Engie North America Inc, this week launched a USD 41 million (EUR 38m) energy infrastructure upgrade programme that includes 3.4 MW of solar, four microgrids and 1.9 MW/7.6 MWh of battery energy storage with microgrid controls.

The unit of French utility group Engie SA (EPA:ENGI) will administer the programme, including installation and maintenance. The initiative also encompasses emergency generators, LED lighting retrofits, HVAC equipment replacements and 54 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports at six sites.

It is expected to be mostly paid for via energy cost savings, with an estimated utility bills offset of over USD 60 million over 20 years.

"Solano County currently relies heavily on the power grid, and our rates went up eight percent this year," said Megan Greve, director of general services for the county. "This new programme figured in annual increases of 4.5% as part of its savings calculations, so the benefits could be even greater than anticipated," Greve added.

The programme will also allow the county to maintain power for critical services in case of power outages. For the past few years, the location has been affected by shutoffs caused by wildfires.

(USD 1 = EUR 0.935)

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