The Miramar microgrid at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar near San Diego CA will provide electricity even when isolated from the grid, and uses landfill gas to do so. First responders and military need power 24/7, most especially during emergencies and power disruptions. Power generated by the landfill gas, if not used immediately, is stored in batteries, making the grid more resilient. The system is supplemented by solar, diesel, and natural gas and also provides EV charging.
This state-of-the-art microgrid will be used as a model for others. It takes a problem, landfill gas, and turns it into an asset. Instead of burning or releasing the toxic gas into the atmosphere, the gas instead becomes an energy source. MCAS Miramar is 23,000 acres and has its own landfill, so it has ample landfill gas to use.
When completed, the Miramar microgrid will be able to power “the base’s 100 mission critical buildings, including its entire flight line, even during a power outage.”
Specifications
Reliable energy is crucial for Miramar — the base serves marines and sailors from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which provide combat ready expeditionary aviation forces capable of short-notice worldwide deployment. It is home to 10,000 service members and their families and supports more than 200 aircraft.
Backed by $20 million in Congressional funding, Miramar is building a microgrid that integrates multiple resources and showcases sophisticated, best-in-class features:
1.3 MW solar photovoltaics
3.2 MW landfill gas
6.45 MW diesel and natural gas power plant
1.6 MW HVAC demand response
157 kW thermal energy storage
EV charging station control
3 MW energy storage (microgrid system level)
390 kW building level energy storage (Lithium Ion and zinc flow batteries and vehicle-to-grid bi-directional hybrid vans)