G&W Electric’s Innovative Microgrid: A Model for Clean Energy Manufacturing
Illinois is taking a big step towards its goal of 100% clean energy by 2050, and G&W Electric is leading the charge in the manufacturing sector. On April 15th, Governor JB Pritzker and ComEd utility leadership recognized G&W Electric’s innovative microgrid at their Bolingbrook, IL campus. This lighthouse project serves as a model for how manufacturers can embrace intelligent clean energy solutions.
A Powerful Partnership for a Clean Energy Future
G&W Electric’s microgrid is a shining example of what’s possible through collaboration. The project benefited from the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) which incentivizes
distributed renewable energy and energy storage. In recognition of this pioneering project, G&W was awarded a $2.6 million Distributed Generation rebate from ComEd, marking the largest award to-date under the program. This innovative approach, coupled with G&W Electric’s commitment to sustainability, resulted in a microgrid featuring:
- A massive 2.4MW bifacial solar array
- A cutting-edge 2MW vanadium flow battery
- A powerful 1MW flywheel
- Reliable 2MW conventional backup generators
This state-of-the-art microgrid goes beyond simply ensuring G&W Electric’s critical production can weather power disruptions. It actively contributes to a cleaner, more resilient future for Illinois.
The Power of Distributed Energy
G&W Electric’s microgrid is a prime example of the growing importance of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). These resources, like rooftop solar panels and battery storage, are transforming the energy landscape. They provide vital generation and capacity alongside traditional grid infrastructure, while offering additional benefits:
- Economic Resilience: Facility microgrids like G&W’s empower businesses to keep operating during outages, minimizing economic disruptions.
- Grid Stability: Distributed energy storage plays a crucial role by offering dispatchable generation during peak demand and supporting critical grid services. As storage scales up, DERs will be essential for a stable, clean energy future.
Intelligent Generation Drives Success
Intelligent Generation played a key role in supporting G&W Electric. Our expertise in managing distributed clean energy systems allowed G&W to optimize their microgrid for maximum impact. This includes IG’s POWR:Suite platform, which constantly analyzes site operations and power marketing conditions in real-time. During normal grid-supplied operation, IG dispatches the flow battery to provide the maximum benefit, whether that’s energy savings for G&W or revenue from grid services. This intelligent approach ensures the microgrid delivers on its full potential.
The G&W Electric microgrid is a beacon, illuminating the path towards a cleaner, more resilient future for Illinois manufacturers. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to a sustainable tomorrow.
We also worked in partnership with a development team that included Continental Energy Solutions, Greenleaf Advisors, Convergence Energy and Spirae, as well as G&W’s in-house micro-grid engineering team.