Santa Fe Community College (SFCC), Campus Microgrid

Burns partnered with Siemens to implement a state-of the art microgrid, providing uninterruptible power as well as hands-on training opportunities for students pursuing a clean energy career.

Santa Fe Community College’s 366-acre campus is now capable of indefinite microgrid operations. On-site distributed energy resources include a 1.5-MegaWatt (MW) photovoltaic solar array, 1-MW | 770-kWH battery-energy storage system that utilizes excess solar capacity, and a 1-MW natural gas-fired generator.

SFCC previously maintained an “educational” microgrid, integrating a 12.5kW solar tracker and 100-kW battery energy storage system. This initial microgrid fully powered an energy-efficient greenhouse that demonstrates sustainable aquaponic and hydroponic practices, while providing hands-on training opportunities for the college’s clean-energy technologies center.

The educational microgrid and newly installed distributed energy resources are now integrated into a microgrid that enhances the campus’ power reliability, lowers emissions, and reduces electricity costs through peak shaving.

Siemens was the lead developer and contractor for the project. Burns assisted as engineer of record for electrical, mechanical, environmental, civil and structural designs.

Images courtesy of Santa Fe Community College.

Location

Santa Fe, NM

Client

Santa Fe Community College

Industry

Higher Education

Expertise

District Energy Systems

Energy + Carbon Reduction

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing

Resilient Power + Microgrids