The National Energy Technology Laboratory plans to develop a 1-MW solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) at their campus in Albany, Oregon.
Energy managers at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Albany, Oregon, used NREL's REopt® web tool to evaluate the potential for solar photovoltaics (PV) to achieve cost savings and decarbonization goals at their campus. They sought user support via FEMP technical assistance. Through this engagement, NREL engineers reviewed the NETL team's REopt model, answered questions about inputs, and helped interpret results.
NETL utilized NREL expertise and the REopt tool results to affirm the opportunity to develop a solar PV (1 MW) and battery energy storage system (BESS) at their facility. Currently, the project is in the feasibility assessment and design phase, with the team working to navigate regulatory requirements related to the site's high-water mark. NETL is also planning to use REopt to evaluate the potential for a solar PV and BESS microgrid at another campus location in Pittsburgh, as well as behind-the-meter BESS in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Lessons Learned
- Federal agencies are successfully using REopt directly to evaluate distributed energy resources at their sites. If agencies have questions about their REopt analysis, they are encouraged to reach out for FEMP Technical Assistance.
- FEMP can support agencies with REopt use, both through direct user support and via REopt trainings. FEMP's on-demand REopt trainings are available online.
- It's important to factor in regulatory requirements and site-specific considerations, such as those related to the site's high-water mark, when embarking on distributed energy projects.