Program raised awareness around energy resilience and resulted in microgrid feasibility studies for five PA communities
Quakertown, PA, August 19, 2022 — ProtoGen, a leading provider of microgrid consulting and project development services, announced today the completion of a groundbreaking program to promote stakeholder education and to facilitate the development of microgrids in Pennsylvania. The program, entitled “Energy Assurance Through Onsite Electric Generation and Energy Storage at Critical Facilities,” was provided through support and funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP).
As PA DEP’s selected contractor, ProtoGen was responsible for 1) developing, marketing, and presenting virtual educational webinars on the topic of energy resilience; and 2) providing energy resilience project planning assistance for up to five webinar attendees. A total of 94 attendees participated in three webinars. Microgrid feasibility studies were ultimately awarded to five communities:
- Tremont Borough Hall and Fire Company
- Sharpsburg Municipal Building, Linden Gym and Dept. of Public Works
- Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority
- Lehigh County Authority Water Filtration Plant
- Perry County Courthouse and 911 Call Center
A uniform approach was used for all feasibility studies. First, ProtoGen conducted an initial satellite survey of each site. Next, data and project requirements were gathered from project stakeholders, and a site visit to verify conditions and capture drone images. Advanced energy modeling software was used to evaluate different combinations of energy resources to find ideal microgrid options. 3D design models of the sites and potential equipment were created to visualize the proposed projects. ProtoGen also estimated projected energy production from solar and other sources. The end deliverables included drawing sets, a feasibility report summarizing the analysis and findings, financial projections, and a memo with professional recommendations to guide next steps.
“Microgrids, as innovative and sustainable energy systems, play a crucial role in enhancing energy resilience, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring reliability in our power supply,” said ProtoGen President Kevin Wright. “Through this program, we were able to align our strengths in education and project planning to improve resilience in five communities across the Commonwealth.”
ProtoGen was selected to facilitate the program through a competitive process under the Commonwealth’s Invitation to Qualify contract vehicle. PA DEP’s Energy Programs Office administered the project and, along with the PA Emergency Management Agency, was a key collaborator.
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About ProtoGen:
ProtoGen, Inc. (founded 2016) is an energy consulting company working to drive the energy transition in the United States and beyond. We provide microgrid and energy project development, education and workforce development, and cleantech commercialization services with a focus on resilience and sustainability. Our customers include governments, developers, businesses, labor organizations, universities, and energy innovators. Learn more at ProtoGenEnergy.com.
Contact: Andy Mackey