Energy Storage, Microgrids, Solar  -  July 4, 2018

Port of Los Angeles microgrid nears completion

The Green Omni Terminal Demonstration Project, a $27 million microgrid and distributed clean energy project at the Port of Los Angeles is now 60% complete. The project, the first of its type in Los Angeles to include solar and energy storage, is expected to be finished in the fall.

According to a report from Microgrid Knowledge, the project "is expected to serve as a model for modernization of 26 other marine terminals at the port." The microgrid project will incorporate a 1-MW solar photovoltaic array, an on-shore 2.6-MWh battery storage system, a microgrid controller and associated electrical infrastructure.

The report quotes Jeffrey Burgin, senior vice president of Pasha Stevedoring and Terminals, the terminal operator, describing the project as a "Wright Brothers moment" upon its launch at the end of May 2016. However, being a pioneer brings challenges, particularly because standards and processes are just being developed. The project has experienced delays in obtaining permits, while manufacturers took longer than expected to obtain independent, UL certifications for microgrid and demonstration project system components.

Construction milestones yet to be achieved include installation of the solar PV system, permanent installation of the battery storage systems, and commissioning of the microgrid and EV chargers.

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