October 4 & 5, 2017 Workshop
The Clean Energy and Transportation Initiative (CETI) of the California Community Colleges partnered with Stone Edge Farm to conduct a two-day workshop on microgrid applications, technologies, value, and economics.
This pilot offering was designed to demonstrate the value of providing introductory-level information and training on microgrids (and technologies that comprise them) to professionals in decision-making roles with regard to facilities development. It was also designed to test the effectiveness of materials that can now be used by college faculty to train students.
A microgrid incorporates a variety of clean energy technologies and integrates them through system controls. These strategies are beginning to impact the energy industry and CTE fields such construction, electricity, solar, and architecture. Professional development on microgrids and the curriculum resources recently tested will soon be available for faculty.
Topics covered by subject matter experts included Microgrid 101, the Value of Microgrids (based on 3 case studies), Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Storage, Integration and System Controls, California Policies & Incentives, and Economic Analysis & Value Assessment (based on 2 case studies).
Guest speakers included representatives from Sierra Nevada Brewery Microgrid and Lawrence Berkeley National Labs. Learning was also enriched by a tour of the Stone Edge Farm Microgrid and a live video demonstration of its control system. Stone Edge Farm Microgrid is a living laboratory for research & development as well as student and professional education.
Workshop participants represented commercial development, city planning, and schools (facilities and programs). Many were impressed with what Stone Edge Farm is doing for the public good. “They are doing things it would take public institutions decades to do. Very practical, very important,” reported an attendee.
Others commented on the many job opportunities that exist in this evolving industry, and “how to fill job voids created by this technology revolution,” as reported by another participant. The workshop also demonstrated the need for community college training and the importance for those involved to take a leadership role.
To learn more about microgrids and why they’re important, click here to view our explainer video.
