The challenge of providing stable, reliable and affordable power has motivated many rural Arctic communities to incorporate increasing amounts of renewable resources to offset the high cost and environmental impact of diesel fuel. But while the flat coastal terrain is well-suited for wind generation, the wind turbines installed there, have been underutilized due to the intermittent and unstable nature of wind power.
ABB will partner with the communities of Deering and Buckland to install modular “plug-and-play” microgrids that will leverage ABB Ability Microgrid Plus automation system and PowerStore storage technology, to maximize the adoption of wind power. Incorporating more renewables will also help the communities to lower costs and support the objectives set out by NANA Regional Corporation (NANA), the local utility to reduce reliance on imported diesel by up to 75 percent, by 2030.
ABB’s Microgrid Plus control solution will manage the automation of the hybrid systems while ensuring secure power supplies with an optimal renewable energy contribution. With the deployment of ABB’s PowerStore Battery technology, these remote Alaska communities will be able to achieve up to 100 per cent renewable penetration and pursue a sustainable future.
