Solar+storage microgrids will soon replace diesel generators used by a groundwater well and pipeline project in California’s Mojave Desert.

Diesel generators currently support Cadiz’s off-grid wellfield at the Water, Conservation, Supply and Storage Project, which will feature 25-30 individual wells once fully constructed. The water solutions company selected Scale Microgrids to outfit each well with a clean energy microgrid reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions.

The microgrids will feature a 1,120 kW ground-mount solar PV system, 693 kW/2664 kWh battery energy storage system, and 380 kW of ultra-low emission generation, tied together with smart controls and a switchboard, Scale said.

Scale and Cadiz said the microgrids would lower the project’s energy costs by more than 30% and cut carbon emissions by 75%, while still ensuring 100% uptime reliability.

“Microgrid technology has improved to the point where shifting to clean energy is now the most cost-effective way to operate off-grid,” Cadiz executive chair Susan Kennedy said.

In April, Cadiz announced that it completed the construction of three new groundwater wells at the project, which will capture 50,000 acre-feet per year of surplus groundwater before it evaporates in the desert. The water will be distributed by pipelines built in railroad corridors, as well as converted natural gas pipelines.

The Cadiz wellfield and infrastructure will provide both reliable new supply during extreme drought periods and underground storage during extreme wet periods.

“It takes a lot of energy to produce and move that much water,” Kennedy said. “With Scale’s clean energy microgrid design, we will be able to deliver that water reliably, sustainably and cost-effectively.”

Originally published on renewableenergyworld.com