Sec. 5. Micro-grid and hybrid micro-grid systems program
632 words·~3 min read·
/bill/115/s/2445/is/section-5A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
In this section: The term hybrid micro-grid system means a stand-alone electrical system that— is comprised of conventional generation and at least 1 alternative energy resource; and may use grid-scale energy storage. The term isolated community means a community that is powered by a stand-alone electric generation and distribution system without the economic and reliability benefits of connection to a regional electric grid. The term micro-grid system means a stand-alone electrical system that uses grid-scale energy storage.
The term strategy means the strategy developed pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(B). The Secretary shall establish a program to promote the development of— hybrid micro-grid systems for isolated communities; and micro-grid systems to increase the resilience of critical infrastructure. The program established under paragraph
(1)shall be divided into the following phases: Phase I, which shall consist of the development of a feasibility assessment for— hybrid micro-grid systems in isolated communities; and micro-grid systems to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure. Phase II, which shall consist of the development of an implementation strategy, in accordance with paragraph (3), to promote the development of hybrid micro-grid systems for isolated communities, particularly for those communities exposed to extreme weather conditions and high energy costs, including electricity, space heating and cooling, and transportation. Phase III, which shall be carried out in parallel with Phase II and consist of the development of an implementation strategy to promote the development of micro-grid systems that increase the resilience of critical infrastructure. Phase IV, which shall consist of cost-shared demonstration projects, based upon the strategies developed under subparagraph
(B)that include the development of physical and cybersecurity plans to take appropriate measures to protect and secure the electric grid. Phase V, which shall establish a benefits analysis plan to help inform regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders about the affordability, environmental and resilience benefits associated with Phases II, III, and IV. In developing the strategy under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary shall consider— establishing future targets for the economic displacement of conventional generation using hybrid micro-grid systems, including displacement of conventional generation used for electric power generation, heating and cooling, and transportation; the potential for renewable resources, including wind, solar, and hydropower, to be integrated into a hybrid micro-grid system; opportunities for improving the efficiency of existing hybrid micro-grid systems; the capacity of the local workforce to operate, maintain, and repair a hybrid micro-grid system; opportunities to develop the capacity of the local workforce to operate, maintain, and repair a hybrid micro-grid system; leveraging existing capacity within local or regional research organizations, such as organizations based at institutions of higher education, to support development of hybrid micro-grid systems, including by testing novel components and systems prior to field deployment; the need for basic infrastructure to develop, deploy, and sustain a hybrid micro-grid system; input of traditional knowledge from local leaders of isolated communities in the development of a hybrid micro-grid system; the impact of hybrid micro-grid systems on defense, homeland security, economic development, and environmental interests; opportunities to leverage existing interagency coordination efforts and recommendations for new interagency coordination efforts to minimize unnecessary overhead, mobilization, and other project costs; and any other criteria the Secretary determines appropriate. The program established under subsection (b)(1) shall be carried out in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including, as appropriate— States; Indian Tribes; regional entities and regulators; units of local government; institutions of higher education; and private sector entities. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until calendar year 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the efforts to implement the program established under subsection (b)(1) and the status of the strategy developed under subsection (b)(2)(B).