Highland Park, New Jersey to conduct microgrid feasibility study

Highland Park, New Jersey will conduct a Town Center (TC) Distributed Energy Resource (DER) microgrid feasibility study, following approval of funding by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU).

The proposed microgrid, entitled Being Resilient in Temporary Emergencies (BRITE), would connect eight critical facilities making the community more resilient to allow them to remain operational during power outages.

“I look forward to seeing the results of the Highland Park microgrid feasibility study as it provides a unique opportunity to evaluate a proposal in which the critical facilities to be included in the town center microgrid are in very close proximity, which would create a hub of emergency services during a major outage,” NJBPU President Richard S. Mroz said at a press conference highlighting the study.

The preliminary estimate of energy production represents approximately 1,349 MWh and 52,248 therms. The Borough estimates that the study will be completed in 12 months at a cost of $175,000.

“We are thrilled to participate with the BPU on this very important program, not only for Highland Park but for the State of New Jersey,” Highland Park Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler said. “With this new microgrid program from the BPU, New Jersey is taking a critical, proactive approach, for better preparedness against the continued onslaught of severe weather events, and also for addressing infrastructure issues that have continued to impact the municipality.”

Highland Park will also assess other commercially viable technologies, such fuel cells, energy storage systems, solar, and combined heat and power (CHP).

BRITE is one of 13 proposed TC DER microgrids the Board approved for feasibility study funding, totaling $2,052,480.