Montgomery County's Innovative Hydrogen Infused Energy Transformation
Key Ideas
  • AlphaStruxure embarks on a larger microgrid project in Rockville, Maryland, integrating solar, energy storage, and hydrogen for public transportation decarbonization.
  • Montgomery County aims to have 70% of its bus fleet powered by hydrogen fuel cells, contributing to the nation's largest renewable energy-powered e-mobility initiative for public fleets.
  • The Bone EMTOC microgrid construction includes an advanced electrolyzer to create green hydrogen, aligning with Montgomery County's ambitious emissions reduction goals.
  • Despite higher upfront costs, hydrogen buses are expected to have lower operational costs than diesel models due to the fuel cell's efficiency, enabling longer range journeys for the county's buses.
AlphaStruxure, a developer of public infrastructure microgrids, commenced a significant project in Montgomery County, Maryland, to electrify buses at the Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot. Now, they are initiating a more extensive microgrid project at Montgomery County's David F. Bone Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operation Center (EMTOC) in Rockville. The Bone EMTOC microgrid will incorporate solar, energy storage, and a 1-MW electrolyzer to produce carbon-free hydrogen for fuel cell buses. This project aligns with Montgomery County's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2035. The county plans to transition 70% of its bus fleet to hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles, with the remainder becoming electric. The hydrogen will be produced through electrolysis powered by renewable resources. The project includes smart fast chargers and is part of the county's strategy to meet increasing electricity demands sustainably. Despite the higher upfront costs for hydrogen buses, they are expected to have lower operational costs than diesel buses, offering the potential for savings and reduced emissions. AlphaStruxure is covering the microgrid costs upfront, while Montgomery County will pay based on energy savings in a long-term contract. The Bone EMTOC microgrid construction is set for completion in 2025, showcasing an innovative approach towards sustainable public transportation and energy infrastructure.
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