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North Carolina creates state’s first microgrid laboratory, using Tesla Powerpacks

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8 years ago

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On a bitterly cold day in March 2015, power was interrupted from mainland Hatteras, North Carolina to an offshore island, Ocracoke. The reason? “Galloping lines,” or ice on the power lines that shorts out electricity delivery. Tideland Electric Membership Corporation, which supplies the island’s electricity, resorted to the only alternative: it fired up the island’s 3-megawatt generator, but electric demand exceeded the generator’s capacity numerous times that day. If you live on the Ocracoke, this was just one more instance of having to do without electrical power due to extreme weather.

But that’s all about to change.

With the installation of Tesla batteries and solar panels at the island’s generator, Ocracoke will become the state’s first microgrid laboratory. Tesla shipped ten of the 4,000-lb. Tesla Powerpack batteries combined to North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation’s (NCEMC) generating plant on Odd Fellows Lane. Tideland installed the 1 MWh photovoltaic system on December 13. “We’re setting up here for the electricity of the future,” said NCEMC’s Bob Beadle, project manager, as he participated in the installation.

The initiative is a pilot project from NCEMC, which owns the island’s generator, and Tideland. “This is a learning laboratory for Tideland,” said Heidi Jernigan Smith, Tideland spokesperson. “We’re exploring the potential for a microgrid.” She added that Ocracoke’s challenging coastal environment offered an ideal experiment site.

When connected to the grid, the batteries are charged during periods of low demand and store energy. The electricity is available to the grid when demand peaks and power is more expensive. While the batteries do not have the capacity to power Ocracoke during an outage, they will be able to assist the generator. “The Tesla batteries could potentially help us get over that start-up load,” Smith said. “It will be interesting to learn what benefits can be derived from the various microgrid components over time.”

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The project will help all constituents to gain knowledge about how community microgrids can become another mechanism for regional electric service. “This is new territory for everyone,” Smith admitted. “We’re gaining valuable information for the future.”

The U. S. Department of Energy defines a microgrid as “a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources within clearly defined electrical boundaries that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid and that connects and disconnects from such grid to enable it to operate in both grid-connected or island mode.” Microgrids are an emerging segment of an electrical system infrastructure that helps isolated or remote areas become independent of large, centrally controlled power plants. As they draw upon efficient, renewable energy resources, microgrids in places like Ocracoke can provide data about the role of new technologies in future electric service delivery.

Another Tesla island project earlier this year on the American Samoa island of T’au, at 1.4 megawatts, can cover “nearly 100%” of its 600 residents’ electrical needs.

“Tideland is pleased to serve as host for NCEMC’s first microgrid project and the opportunity it affords our employees to learn about next generation energy technologies,” said Paul Spruill, Tideland’s chief executive officer and general manager. “We are also appreciative of our sister co-ops across the state for funding this project, which will all stand to gain from our collective knowledge base as the energy industry evolves.” The next time that the power is interrupted, Ocracoke may be able to manage its limited power resources as an independent system.

Smart technology is interwoven into Ocracoke’s microgrid in another way, too. 130+ Ocracoke homes have installed Ecobee thermostats from Tideland. Another example of the Internet of Things (IoT), these devices allow Tideland remote access to residents’ thermostat settings. Tideland can reduce energy usage during times of peak electricity. Homeowners can also use smart phones or other computers to monitor and control their thermostat settings, with expected saving of up to 23% on a monthly utility bill.

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Source: Ocracoke Observer

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Carolyn Fortuna is a writer and researcher with a Ph.D. in education from the University of Rhode Island. She brings a social justice perspective to environmental issues. Please follow me on Twitter and Facebook and Google+

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Energy

Tesla lands in Texas for latest Megapack production facility

Published

2 weeks ago

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March 5, 2025

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(Credit: Tesla)

Tesla has chosen the location of its latest manufacturing project, a facility that will churn out the Megapack, a large-scale energy storage system for solar energy projects. It has chosen Waller County, Texas, as the location of the new plant, according to a Commissioners Court meeting that occurred on Wednesday, March 5.

Around midday, members of the Waller County Commissioners Court approved a tax abatement agreement that will bring Tesla to its area, along with an estimated 1,500 jobs. The plant will be located at the Empire West Industrial Park in the Brookshire part of town.

Brookshire also plans to consider a tax abatement for Tesla at its meeting next Thursday.

The project will see a one million square-foot building make way for Tesla to build Megapack battery storage units, according to Covering Katy News, which first reported on the company’s intention to build a plant for its energy product.

CEO Elon Musk confirmed on the company’s Q4 2024 Earnings Call in late January that it had officially started building its third Megapack plant, but did not disclose any location:

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“So, we have our second factory, which is in Shanghai, that’s starting operation, and we’re building a third factory. So, we’re trying to ramp output of the stationary battery storage as quickly as possible.”

Tesla plans third Megafactory after breaking energy records in 2024

The Megapack has been a high-demand item as more energy storage projects have started developing. Across the globe, regions are looking for ways to avert the loss of power in the event of a natural disaster or simple power outage.

This is where Megapack comes in, as it stores energy and keeps the lights on when the main grid is unable to provide electricity.

Vince Yokom of the Waller County Economic Development Partnership, commented on Tesla’s planned Megapack facility:

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“I want to thank Tesla for investing in Waller County and Brookshire. This will be a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for their Megapack product. It is a powerful battery unit that provides energy storage and support to help stabilize the grid and prevent outages.”

Tesla has had a lease on the building where it will manufacture the Megapacks since October 2021. However, it was occupied by a third-party logistics company that handled the company’s car parts.

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Energy

Tesla Energy had a blockbuster 2024

Published

2 months ago

on

December 31, 2024

By

Credit: Tesla

Tesla Energy has become the undisputed dark horse of the electric vehicle maker. This was highlighted by Tesla Energy’s growing role in the company’s overall operations in the past quarters. 

And as per Tesla’s year-end milestone posts on X, Tesla Energy had a blockbuster 2024.

Tesla Energy’s 2024 milestones:

  • As per Tesla on its official social media account on X, the company has hit over 800,000 Powerwalls installed worldwide. 
  • From this number, over 100,000 Powerwall batteries have been enrolled in virtual power plant (VPP) programs.
  • The Powerwall 3 has officially been launched in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.K., Germany, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • The Tesla Megapack hit over 22 GWh in operation across more than 60 countries across the globe.
  • The Lathrop Megafactory, which produces the Megapack, has been ramped to 40 GWh per year. 
  • The Lathrop Megafactory has also produced its 10,000th Megapack battery.
  • The Shanghai Megafactory was completed in just seven months, and it is ready to start Megapack production in Q1 2025.

Powerwall owners’ 2024 impact:

  • As per Tesla Energy, Powerwall owners generated a total of 4.5 TWh of solar energy globally in 2024. This was equivalent to powering a Model 3 for more than 17 billion miles.
  • A total of 1.1 TWh of energy was stored in Powerwalls in 2024. This protected homes from over 5.8 million outages during the year.
  • Tesla’s Storm Watch feature for Powerwall batteries covered 2.8 million severe weather events over the year.
  • Powerwall owners saw collective savings of over $800 million on utility bills.
  • Virtual Power Plants contributed over 2.2 GWh of power to the grid. This reduced the need for 2,200 metric tons of fossil fuel peaker plant emissions.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

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Energy

Utah’s rPlus Energies breaks ground on Tesla Megapack battery system

Published

6 months ago

on

September 24, 2024

By

Credit: Tesla

Utah-based rPlus Energies recently held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Green River Energy Center, a 400 MW solar PV and 400 MW/1,600 MWh battery storage project in Eastern Utah. Tesla Megapacks will be used as the upcoming facility’s battery storage solution. 

At 400 MW/1,600 MWh, the Green River Energy Center is expected to become one of the largest solar-plus-storage projects under development in the United States. Once operational, the facility would supply power to PacifiCorp under a power purchase agreement, as noted in a press release. 

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox shared his excitement for the project during the Green River Energy Center’s groundbreaking event. As per the Utah Governor, the solar and battery storage system represents a notable step forward for the state’s sustainable energy efforts. 

“This project is being built in rural Utah, by rural Utahns, and for all of Utah. When rural Utah thrives, the entire state prospers. Today, we’re not just breaking ground—we’re building a future of affordable, abundant energy in Utah,” the official noted. 

The Green River Energy Center secured over $1 billion in construction debt financing earlier this year. The facility is also expected to create about 500 jobs, many of which will be filled by local workers. With this in mind, the solar and battery farm would likely prove to be a boost to Emery County’s economy, enhancing tax revenue, strengthening public services, and offering long-term employment opportunities for the area’s residents. 

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Sundt Construction will serve as the project’s contractor, EliTe Solar will supply the solar modules, and Tesla will provide the battery storage system for the project. Luigi Resta, President and CEO of rPlus Energies, noted that the Green River Energy Center is special because of the entities that have worked together to make the facility a reality. 

“It’s the partners that make this project special, that have made this monumental project possible. From our equipment providers to the onsite talent, and the support of the local and regional community, we owe this project’s success to each of you,” he stated. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

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