After California’s second-biggest wildfire of all time and dozens more in recent years, it’s no secret that Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, is interested in alternatives to overhead power lines.
One option put forward by PG&E is to bury thousands of miles of power lines in “high fire risk areas.” That effort is underway and will cost billions and take a decade or more, according to the utility’s projections. Another piece of the puzzle could be microgrids.
Power Box, a start-up working on this technology, says its mini power plants are better able to provide reliable, low-carbon electricity to people living “on the edge of distribution lines”.
No route will eliminate PG&E’s horrible ambient audio recordings. But as climate change causes more extreme heat waves, solar-powered microgrids could help remote communities keep the lights on even if the macrogrid goes down, eliminating some dangerous power lines in the process. That’s the idea, which is why BoxPower, based in Grass Valley, California, has raised a $5 million Series A round from sponsor Swell Energy. Climate capital in one line.
“By placing the microgrid approximately 80 meters from the customer, BoxPower eliminates all overhead wires,” BoxPower co-founder and CEO Angelo Campus said in a statement to TechCrunch. With solar panels, large batteries and backup propane generators, the power generated by the startup eventually reaches rural residents “via underground low-voltage cables,” according to Campus.
In addition to utilities, BoxPower says it has also worked on residential, commercial and agricultural projects that are typically “islands” or not connected to the main grid. According to the startup, it currently operates more than 35 microgrids in California, Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii.
“BoxPower is on track to deploy an additional 25 to 30 microgrid systems this year,” added Campus.
Source: La Neta Neta
Jason Jack is an experienced technology journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in computer science and engineering, he has a deep understanding of the latest technology trends and developments. He writes about a wide range of technology topics, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, software development, and cybersecurity.
