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Environment Business Division — North America
Customer Story

Cordova Electric Cooperative

Achieving a resilient and sustainable energy future in Alaska

Hybrid Microgrid

Resilient, Renewable and Sustainable Energy

Cordova Electric Cooperative (CEC) is the sole provider of electricity to the remote coastal community of Cordova in Alaska. It's mission is to deliver affordable, environmentally responsible energy to its members in a safe and reliable manner.

CEC established a hybrid microgrid to enable the adoption of renewable power, including two new hydro projects. One of the key components was a battery energy storage system (BESS) to regulate the electrical system and maximize the use of locally produced power. CEC was able to reduce its dependence on diesel and move closer to its goals for sustainability and reliability.

Challenge

Accelerate the move to sustainable energy to support state’s largest fishing fleet, and protect the local ecosystem after a major oil spill

Solution

Developed a microgrid to harness available hydropower sources year-round, despite seasonal variability, using renewable energy and a battery energy storage system (BESS)

Outcome

Maximized renewable energy production, significantly reducing dependence on diesel by 40,000 - 50,000 gallons per year

Sustainable, reliable energy for remote communities

Solution

  • Hydro (7.25 MW)
  • Diesel (2 MW)
  • PowerStore Battery (1 MW / 1 MWh)
  • Hitachi Energy e-mesh Control System

Key Benefits

  • Reduce its dependence on diesel and move closer to its goals for sustainability (expect to save between 40,000-50,000 gallons of diesel fuel a year)
  • Maximize the use of locally produced hydroelectric power
  • Recover the hydropower lost during transition periods
Our BESS is performing so well now that we expect it to save between 40-50k gallons of diesel fuel p/a. We’ve smashed our hydropower production targets.
Clay Koplin, CEO, Cordova Electric Cooperative Mayor of Cordova