Exploring Microgrids: Powering Resilience in Eastern North Carolina

Abstract

The Upper Coastal Plain (UCP) region of North Carolina faces frequent extreme weather events which cause failures in the electrical grid system and threaten the delivery of critical emergency services when they are needed most. The council of governments for the region (UCPCOG) aims to enhance the resiliency of critical infrastructure by offering resources and recommendations for microgrid development to its member bodies. This project presents a three-tiered analysis designed to inform UCPCOG’s recommendations. First, we evaluate microgrids as a tool for improving resilience through a literature review consisting of technology descriptions, environmental justice considerations, case studies, and development trends. Second, we examine potential site locations using a spatial multi-criteria decision analysis which prioritizes community input. Finally, we offer an economic analysis resulting in optimal configurations for select sites based on economic, technology, and carbon emissions constraints.