Shedding Light On Microgrid Proposal
Rockaway United promotes additional layer of disaster protection
An urban designer’s plans to ensure reliable and resilient electrical power in the event of future superstorms and/or natural disasters via the implementation of autonomous microgrid infrastructure were recently discussed at the Tuesday, June 12 Community Board 14 meeting.
During an update of his organization’s continued effort to gather support for the purposes of bringing a cost-effective method of producing clean energy for the Rockaway peninsula was Rockaway United’s President (RU) William F. Schacht, who reminded fellow residents that the local community isn’t properly equipped to handle the effects of another Sandy-like occurrence.
“We’re five years down the road [and] we still do not have an emergency evacuation plan, but first we have to keep the lights on to see if this imaginary evacuation plan exists,” began Schact, as he explained how 83 statewide communities have already been awarded with community microgrids, including areas of Brooklyn (Brownsville) and the Bronx (Hunts Point).
Past initiatives by RU and electric utility PSE&G to secure a localized network of electricity sources that can operate in concert with or independently from a traditional macrogrid haven’t proven successful, but that’s not deterring the architect from advocating for a safer Rockaway.
This time RU has joined forces with Resilient District Design (RDD) and other associated community organizations to partner with New York University (NYU) in conducting a feasibility assessment study in the interest of identifying consumer requirements for creating a Resilient Community Microgrid (RCM).
The goal would involve placing the RCM along the mid-section of the peninsula between Beach 67th and Beach 117th streets.
NYU’s concept pre-proposal suggests that the microgrid would provide the added benefits of reducing congestion in New York State’s electric transmission system while increasing energy efficiency and demand response capacity for consumers.
The potential forms of renewable energy sources to activate this energy generation and distribution system, include solar, wind, wave and biomass resources.
Schacht was joined by fellow engineer Sal Lamsal, who has taken the lead on the NYU study to furnish Rockaway neighborhoods with 24/7 light, power and communications.
During a January presentation, Lamsal endorsed hydroelectric power as a viable source of renewable energy for the microgrid system, which would entail the electricity production via the utilization of water stored in dams that would drive power generators through the force of gravity.
As for the location of this infrastructure, Schact has mentioned turning the Rockaway Wastewater Treatment Plant (RWWTP), at Beach 108th Street and Beach Channel Drive, into a localized grid.
In terms of funding for the undertaking, the RCM proponent filled in The Wave on conversations he’s had to possibly make use of a portion of $23 million in Jamaica Bay Nitrogen Reduction monies that have been set aside for RWWTP by Councilman Eric Ulrich.
Schacht is also counting on private subsidies and the collaboration of PSE&G to make his designs for adding another layer of protection for Rockaway a reality.
And though the frequency range of microgrids are about a mile in diameter, according to the self-described community coordinator, he is recommending the addition of about seven interconnected systems to cover the entire peninsula.
So far, local NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority) residential developments currently possess a form of emergency backup power systems sanctioned by RU that would make extended periods of power loss of thing of the past.
“We’re still here. We’re not leaving until this thing gets done,” assures Schacht. “This is life preserving; it’s the basic reason government in is in place.”
“Science does exist despite some people saying the contrary. The facts are we’re projected for a six-foot [ocean] rise by the end of the century. That’s, again, your grandchildren. We have to make adjustments. We’re here to talk about infrastructure that makes sense.”
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