GE Working on Microgrid Research Project to Improve Grid Reliability in Upstate New York

GE Global Research and GE Energy Consulting, along with National Grid, DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Clarkson University recently announced a partnership on a research project to improve the reliability and resiliency of electricity delivery in northern New York. The focus area will be the Village of Potsdam, N.Y., near the Canadian border, which is prone to ice storms that could damage utility lines and other above-ground power infrastructure.

Fueled by a $1.2M grant from the DOE’s Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE) and a $300,000 investment from GE, this project will allow for the development of an Enhanced Microgrid Control System (eMCS) designed to be the key element in keeping the town’s electricity system up and running for several days should it become disconnected from the main power station. Details