The Chicago community of Bronzeville is becoming the Community of the Future and the first big step is the microgrid that will keep power flowing even emergencies.
With the completion of the final phase of testing, ComEd has signaled that the network of solar panels, generators, batteries is ready to support the community of Bronzeville should the main power grid go offline. This will increase energy security and resilience for residents and businesses on Chicago’s South Side.
The collaboration involves partnerships with universities, national labs, and suppliers, and has benefited from a $4 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office. ComEd, the utility company, had unveiled a plan back in 2016 to transition the Bronzeville neighborhood, considered to be the city’s canter of Black history and culture, to a “community of the future”. The microgrid is was the first major project of that program.
The microgrid can hopefully serve as a model for communities and utilities across the country and the world.
Hat tip: Canary Media
For more info on ComEd’s program click here.
