Comments on IEPR Update Workshops on Accessing the Future Role of Microgrids
On July 30 the CHBC submitted comments to the California Energy Commission on the IEPR Update Workshops on Accessing the Future Role of Microgrids, which occurred on July 7 and 9. The CHBC comments focused on the role of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in microgrids, specifically:
- Hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers have important roles to play in microgrid systems in California, as essential providers of long duration, flexible storage, generation, and grid support services.
- Discussions and decisions pertaining to microgrids ought to include a diverse range of technologies and adhere to the principle of technology neutrality.
- The focus of microgrid development in California ought to go beyond supporting the electricity system and also integrate the gas system as a resource to support resilience and reliability.
- Interoperability standards across multiple sectors should be developed to fully support the cross sectoral benefits of solutions like hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
- Microgrids ought to have access to the wholesale market to make good use of excess electricity (either consumed or delivered) to and from the microgrids that would otherwise be curtailed.
- Relief from departing load and standby charges ought to be granted to encourage adoption of microgrids.
- Microgrid system design should have some flexibility to be customized to suit the needs of the end user.