Microgrids, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  April 12, 2024

Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Adds Solar Microgrid 

A new microgrid project funded by the state of California will support energy sovereignty for the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians. 

The project includes a large-scale solar and long-duration storage microgrid in Corning, California that will sustain tribal operations and relieve pressure on the grid during peak use times with new battery technology that can discharge power for 18 hours.

The microgrid project received a $32 million grant last year from the California Energy Commission’s Long-Duration Energy Storage Program, part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s multi-billion-dollar climate commitment. The program invests in projects that accelerate the implementation of long duration energy storage solutions to increase the resiliency and reliability of energy infrastructure and will meet the state’s energy and climate goals.

The project will provide 5 megawatts (MW) of solar generation and 15 megawatt-hours (MWh) of long-duration energy storage at the Tribe’s Rolling Hills Casino & Resort in Corning. It will serve to enhance energy resiliency by discharging power during emergencies and lower fossil fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions.

“We are grateful to partner with the CEC and host this grant for this renewable energy project,” said Paskenta Tribal Chairman Andrew “Dru” Alejandre, in a statement. “Our people have always cared for the land as it has cared for us. We continue to understand our responsibilities as people and will continue to adapt to modern ways for many generations. We are responsible for preserving our environment for future generations. This project will allow us to provide sustainable energy and most importantly increasing energy sovereignty.”