New Jersey officials start microgrid study

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is continuing its statewide tour to discuss microgrid projects in South Jersey.

In a press conference held in Camden Sept. 7, NJBPU President Richard S. Mroz announced the start of a new study for the proposed town center microgrid in the city.

The proposed project would connect the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority with the Covanta Energy Recovery Center and other critical facilities in Camden.

Officials said being able to improve resiliency in the city in the event of a major storm is why projects like these are so important.

"The important point is that we'll be able to provide them with electricity, if in fact they're disconnected from the grid at some point through a storm, such as Sandy or some other event that would prohibit them from being connected to the grid," said Richard J. Sandner, vice president of the New York and New Jersey Region of Covanta Energy.

"You can see it's happening in other places in the country right now with these severe storms," added Sandner. "It's sustainable and should help predict grid resiliency for them."

The Camden microgrid feasibility study will also include the Camden Housing Authority, public schools, food markets, and gas stations.