Airport Microgrid Implementation Toolkit (2021)

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1 Airport Microgrid Implementation Toolkit Reliable power supply is essential for the economy. Continuous electric energy lights buildings, moves volumes of data, and runs equipment—making productivity possible. Electricity also keeps us safe. Airports are acutely aware of the range of power benefits and their possible threats. While the US grid has been reliable throughout its history, central- ized electrical generation, transmission infrastructure, and distribution lines are inherently vulnerable to several growing threats that pose significant risks to the economy. Microgrids offer an alternative source of power for airports. The US Department of Energy defines microgrids as a “group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources within clearly defined electrical boundaries that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid.”1 In simpler terms, microgrids are energy systems that generate, store, and dispatch their own electricity. Microgrids can be connected to the grid, or they can operate inde- pendently in “island mode.” Implementing a microgrid provides for an owner-controlled electricity system that can increase resilience by insulating key facilities and functions from power outages within the broader grid. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently defined resilience as the ability to withstand and reduce the magnitude and/or duration of disruptive events, which includes the capability to anticipate, absorb, adapt to, and/or rapidly recover from such an event.2 Given the complexity of microgrids, limits of airport familiarity with microgrids, and the rapidly accelerating technology and cost changes, the ACRP funded an implementa- tion toolkit for airports. The toolkit provides a comprehensive set of microgrid resources for airports and is now available at https://acrpmicrogridtoolkit.xendee.com/. Airports will be equipped to pursue a feasibility study through guidance contained in the toolkit. Additional toolkit features include: • Specific airport grid supply considerations—after specifying the specific airport and utility service provider, airports can better understand how their electricity supply reli- ability compares with other regions. • Resilience considerations—users can learn about measures to decrease vulnerability to outages and make informed decisions about battery storage or other backup power they may need. • Stakeholder resources—including a wide range of airport employees, tenants, and com- munity groups early on will help airports better understand scope and generate buy-in. The toolkit includes a range of materials to help identify key participants and conduct well-run workshops. • Range of energy choices—airports can explore different energy generating and storage options to compare costs. S U M M A R Y

2 Airport Microgrid Implementation Toolkit • Financial guidance—to better understand direct and indirect impacts from loss of power, an outage cost calculator is included as well as information on how an airport can fund a microgrid. • Operations—airport users can review considerations on how to maintain their microgrid overtime, including a decision on equipment ownership versus purchasing services. Additional relevant background materials are provided in this guidebook.