PG&E Replaces Traditional Powerlines with Remote Microgrid in High Fire-Threat Area
Source: · T&D WORLD · | June 11, 2021
PG&E's first hybrid renewable standalone power system to improve reliability and significantly reduce wildfire risk.
Source: T&D World
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) recently marked the commissioning of its first hybrid renewable standalone power system, built and installed by BoxPower Inc. The remote grid permanently replaces the overhead distribution powerlines that once served a handful of customers in a High Fire-Threat District (HFTD) area of the Sierra Nevada foothills outside Yosemite National Park, improving reliability and significantly reducing wildfire risk.
As detailed in the PG&E's 2021 Wildfire Mitigation Plan, a standalone power system offers a new approach to utility service. The Briceburg system uses solar combined with battery energy storage and backup propane generation. It provides permanent energy supply to remote customers as an alternative to hardened poles and wires.
The approach has potential use in other areas as well. Throughout the PG&E's service area, isolated pockets of remote customers are served via long electric distribution lines that in many cases traverse through HFTD areas. Replacing these long distribution lines with a reliable and low-carbon local energy source is an innovative option that has now become feasible.
"The PG&E is eager to deliver the benefits of remote grids to our customers. We intend to expand the use of standalone power systems as an alternative to certain existing distribution lines, providing enhanced reliability with a lower risk profile and at a lower total cost," said Jason Glickman, the PG&E's executive vice president, engineering, planning, and strategy.
Briceburg Remote Grid
In Mariposa County, five customer sites lost power in the Briceburg Fire of 2019 when the line serving them was destroyed. The historical line route is challenging to rebuild through the last 1.4 miles of rugged, HFTD terrain. Since then, the PG&E has provided temporary generation to meet local customer power needs.