DG + IG Initiative: Proving Viability of High Penetrations of Clean Local Energy

The Clean Coalition is excited to report that its Distributed Generation + Intelligent Grid (DG+IG) Initiative has already attracted utility partners and is on pace to meet its ambitious goal of proving the viability of high penetrations of clean local energy – both from a cost and a technology standpoint.

Through this initiative, the Clean Coalition is working with utilities across the country to develop five DG+IG demonstration projects.  Each demonstration project will prove that the distribution grid, within a single substation, is able to get at least 25% of the total electric energy consumed from local renewables, while maintaining or improving grid reliability.  These demonstration projects will highlight the technical and financial feasibility of high penetrations of distributed generation.  Additionally, this initiative will rely on streamlined procurement and interconnection procedures, providing clear examples for how utilities can secure local renewable energy in a timely and efficient manner.

The Clean Coalition has already begun working with two utilities — one in California and one in the Southeastern U.S. — to roll out DG+IG demonstration projects in their service territories.  The Clean Coalition aims for all five DG+IG projects to be operational by the end of 2013.