NOTE: Project pages are being updated regularly to reflect changes, if any; however, some of the information may be dated.
Enhancing UTTC’s Event Resilience Through Autonomous Energy Operation
United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) received an award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy to develop an integrated energy system for autonomous operation at its Lewis Goodhouse Wellness Center in Bismarck, North Dakota. This project aims to enhance energy reliability and provide emergency sheltering capabilities for students and community members.
The system will leverage microgrid technologies to operate autonomously, ensuring the wellness center can provide essential services during emergency response situations. It is projected to save $1.7 million over the life of the project, fostering resilience for the community.
Project Overview
| Tribe/Awardee: | United Tribes Technical College |
|---|---|
| Location: | Bismarck, North Dakota |
| Project Title: | Enhancing UTTC’s Event Resilience Through Autonomous Energy Operation |
| DOE Funding Opportunity Number: | DE-FOA-0003298 |
| DOE Grant Number: | DE-IE0000206 |
| Projected Impacts: | Energy Affordability: $1,707,660 in savings over project lifetime Energy Addition: 7,153,650 kWh in energy generation over project lifetime Energy Reliability: Autonomous operation of the wellness center for up to three days, providing emergency sheltering |
| Project Amounts: | DOE Office of Indian Energy: $2,199,763 Awardee Cost-Share: $244,419 Total: $2,444,182 |
| Project Period of Performance: | Start: September 2025 |
Project Description
The integrated energy system will power the Lewis Goodhouse Wellness Center, an essential Tribal building and emergency sheltering facility. The system upgrades include a microgrid control system alongside a 198-kW rooftop solar array and a 1.3-MWh battery energy storage system. The system will integrate with the existing 250-kW diesel generator to ensure comprehensive energy reliability. The project is designed to provide power for emergency sheltering functions for up to three days and will create 15 short-term jobs. In addition to energy reliability, the project will facilitate education and training within the college.
About United Tribes Technical College
UTTC, located in Bismarck, North Dakota, is a Tribal college operated by five Tribal Nations: Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation) of the Fort Berthold Reservation, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. The college offers both two-year and four-year degrees in over 20 programs. The emergency resilience project is a collaborative effort between UTTC and Lightspring Solar LLC.