Kaiser Permanente Leads Healthcare Sustainability with Largest Hospital-Based Microgrid in California
Key Ideas
- Kaiser Permanente activates the largest hospital-based renewable energy microgrid in Ontario, California, utilizing solar, battery storage, and a fuel cell to ensure clean power and emergency backup.
- The microgrid can power the Ontario hospital for up to 10 continuous hours during grid outages, promoting sustainability and protecting public health by reducing emissions and pollution.
- Kaiser Permanente's commitment to sustainability extends to multiple facilities across the U.S., with on-site solar installations at over 100 locations, showcasing a dedication to environmental responsibility.
Kaiser Permanente is leading the way in healthcare sustainability by activating the largest hospital-based renewable energy microgrid at its medical center in Ontario, California. The Ontario Medical Center microgrid includes 2 MW of canopy solar, 9 MWh of non-lithium battery storage, and a 1 MW fuel cell that converts natural gas or hydrogen into electricity without combustion. This initiative not only provides clean power for day-to-day operations but also serves as emergency backup power during utility grid outages, with the capability to sustain the hospital for up to 10 continuous hours. The project, funded partly by an $8.3 million grant from the California Energy Commission, highlights Kaiser Permanente's dedication to environmental protection and public health.
Kaiser Permanente's efforts extend beyond Ontario, with previous renewable microgrid installations at facilities like the Richmond Medical Center in California. The company has implemented on-site solar at over 100 of its locations, emphasizing a commitment to reducing the environmental burden in the healthcare industry. By collaborating with partners like Ameresco and Faraday Microgrids, Kaiser Permanente showcases the integration of sustainability into its healthcare operations.
Georgina Garcia, senior vice president of Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, emphasizes the importance of community health and environmental responsibility in this initiative. The Ontario Medical Center microgrid aims to inspire other hospital systems to join in similar efforts, fostering a healthier future for all residents. Kaiser Permanente's proactive approach to sustainability aligns with its mission as a healthcare provider to protect both the health of its members and the communities it serves.
While Kaiser Permanente stands out for its sustainability initiatives, other medical care systems like Valley Children's Hospital and Lawrence + Memorial Hospital are also adopting renewable energy technologies and microgrid systems. These examples reflect a broader industry trend towards enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental impact in healthcare facilities across the United States.
Topics
Utilities
Renewable Energy
Sustainability
Energy Storage
California
Environmental Protection
Healthcare Industry
Clean Power
Community Health
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