Oregon Advances Community-Owned Microgrids to Support Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to Community-Owned Microgrids

Oregon communities are progressing toward the ability to generate, distribute, and own their own energy sources following the approval of two legislative bills establishing a framework for community-owned microgrids. These microgrids are localized, self-contained energy networks, primarily powered by renewable sources such as wind and solar technology.

Definition and Functionality of Microgrids

• Microgrids produce, distribute, and store power locally.
• They are typically connected to the main utility grid but can operate independently during outages.
• Microgrids can supply energy back to the utility grid through battery storage systems when required.

Current Status and Pilot Projects in Oregon

Although Oregon currently lacks community-owned microgrids, pilot projects are underway to test the concept, including a small-scale microgrid by Portland General Electric serving approximately 500 homes and businesses in southeast Salem. Additionally, community resilience hubs that offer shelter and resources during extreme weather events qualify as microgrids.

Legislative Developments Supporting Sustainable Energy

Approval of House Bills 2065 and 2066

On Tuesday, Oregon’s Legislature approved House Bill 2065 and House Bill 2066, which pave the way for community-owned microgrids. These bills aim to:

1. Increase renewable energy development in Oregon.
2. Enhance grid resilience and reliability.
3. Alleviate pressure on transmission power lines.

Role of the Oregon Public Utility Commission

House Bill 2066 mandates the Oregon Public Utility Commission to develop a roadmap for the construction, ownership, and valuation of microgrids within the state, providing clarity and structure for future projects.

Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Microgrids promote access to reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for communities.
• They enable the use of local renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Microgrids contribute to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation in energy systems.
• They support the modernization of energy infrastructure to meet increasing demand efficiently.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• By enhancing energy resilience, microgrids help communities withstand extreme weather events such as wildfires, heat waves, and snowstorms.
• Community resilience hubs serve as critical infrastructure during emergencies.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Microgrids reduce greenhouse gas emissions by integrating renewable energy technologies.
• They support climate adaptation strategies by maintaining power during grid disturbances.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Challenges

Support from Environmental Organizations

Joshua Basofin, Clean Energy Program Director at Climate Solutions, emphasized microgrids’ importance for energy resilience, especially in vulnerable rural communities. Dylan Kruse, President of Sustainable Northwest, highlighted microgrids as vital for maintaining community connectivity amid increasing climate-related power outages.

Utility Companies’ Concerns

• Portland General Electric and Pacific Power opposed the bills, citing existing collaborations on microgrid operations.
• Concerns include potential duplication of work, increased costs for ratepayers, safety risks from third-party operations, and impacts on customer rates.

Future Outlook and Implementation

Legislative Progress

House Bills 2065 and 2066 have been forwarded to Governor Tina Kotek for signature, marking a significant step toward enabling community-owned microgrids in Oregon.

Federal Support for Microgrid Innovation

The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced over $8 million in funding for 14 microgrid projects in remote areas nationwide, underscoring federal commitment to advancing microgrid technology.

Expected Benefits

1. Acceleration of renewable energy project development through streamlined engineering and interconnection studies.
2. Enhanced grid reliability and reduced transmission grid strain during peak demand.
3. Improved community resilience to extreme weather and climate change impacts.

Conclusion

Oregon’s legislative advancements in community-owned microgrids align with multiple Sustainable Development Goals by promoting clean energy, resilient infrastructure, sustainable communities, and climate action. These initiatives represent a strategic approach to modernizing energy systems, enhancing community resilience, and supporting the state’s renewable energy targets.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses community-owned microgrids powered by renewable sources like solar and wind, aiming to increase renewable energy development and provide reliable energy access.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Microgrids enhance community resilience, especially during extreme weather events, by ensuring critical infrastructure remains operational.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The promotion of renewable energy and resilience against climate-induced disruptions like wildfires and heat waves aligns with climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The development of microgrids represents innovation in energy infrastructure and supports sustainable industrialization.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
   • Target 7.b: Expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including extreme weather events.
   • Target 11.b: Increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, and resilience to disasters.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. Renewable Energy Capacity and Usage
   • Number of community-owned microgrids established.
   • Share of energy generated from renewable sources (solar, wind) within communities.
2. Energy Resilience and Reliability
   • Frequency and duration of power outages in communities with microgrids versus those without.
   • Number of critical infrastructure facilities (schools, hospitals, businesses) maintained operational during emergencies.
3. Infrastructure Development
   • Number of policies, roadmaps, or frameworks developed for microgrid implementation (e.g., Oregon Public Utility Commission roadmap).
   • Number of renewable energy projects expedited due to improved interconnection studies and engineering support.
4. Community Impact
   • Number of communities benefiting from microgrids, especially vulnerable or rural areas.
   • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions due to increased renewable energy use.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: opb.org