Distributed Energy Resources, Microgrids  -  February 7, 2023

Columbus, Ohio Water Infrastructure Adds Microgrid

The Tussing Water Booster Station in Columbus, Ohio will add a renewable energy microgrid and extend Columbus’ ability to deliver clean water during extended electric grid outages.

The microgrid project is fully commissioned and expected to be energized in the first quarter of 2023.

The contract was awarded to Eaton, a power management company to help AEP Ohio.

The project, awarded to power management company Eaton, is partially funded through AEP Ohio’s Smart City program, and is expected to show how microgrids can deliver more affordable, sustainable and resilient energy for critical infrastructure. The microgrid also supports the City of Columbus Climate Action Plan to reduce emissions by 45% and implement five microgrid pilot projects by 2030 to help achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The new microgrid incorporates 100 kilowatts (kW) of onsite solar generation, and 440-kilowatt hours (kWh) battery energy storage while Eaton’s microgrid controls will help offset energy costs and ensure residents receive safe drinking water. The microgrid system enables the city’s water tower to continue to operate in “island” mode during a grid outage to keep the water flowing. It will also help AEP Ohio support sustainable demand response and balance the grid through intelligent voltage regulation.

"Climate change is already impacting quality of life in central Ohio, and the challenges stemming from its very existence will only continue to grow more frequent and more common in the years ahead,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther in a statement. “We have an obligation to strengthen the resiliency of our infrastructure and to meet these challenges head on. I am proud of the ways in which the City of Columbus is leading by example and embracing innovative solutions.”