Powering the Future: Maryland's Largest Renewable Energy Bus Depot
Key Ideas
  • Montgomery County and AlphaStruxure are constructing the US's largest renewable energy-powered bus depot, featuring a 5.65 MW microgrid with green hydrogen production.
  • The depot will house 200 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses by 2035, supporting longer bus routes and emphasizing zero-emissions transit.
  • The project showcases Maryland's commitment to zero-emissions transportation and sustainable infrastructure, contributing to a national shift towards greener public transit.
  • The microgrid, set to come online in 2025, will enable the depot to operate independently in 'island mode' while also feeding renewable energy back to the grid.
Montgomery County, Maryland, in collaboration with AlphaStruxure, has initiated the construction of the largest renewable energy-powered bus depot in the United States. This project entails the establishment of a 5.65 MW microgrid at the David F. Bone Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operations Center, featuring electric bus charging infrastructure and on-site green hydrogen production facilitated by solar and battery energy storage. The ultimate goal is for the depot to run indefinitely in 'island mode,' enhancing its resilience and sustainability. The depot is slated to accommodate 200 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses by 2035, a strategic decision by Montgomery County to support longer bus routes with zero-emissions vehicles. CEO of AlphaStruxure, Juan Macias, commended the county for its proactive approach to zero-emissions transit and the simultaneous procurement of eco-friendly buses and the necessary infrastructure. This initiative reaffirms Maryland's position as a national leader in sustainable transportation. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the microgrid project will not only power the depot's operations but also have the capacity to supply renewable energy to the local grid and facilitate the charging of zero-emissions buses. This endeavor follows the successful launch of the Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot in 2022, jointly led by Montgomery County and AlphaStruxure, which collectively will support approximately 335 zero-emissions transit buses. The advancement of such green infrastructure is pivotal in transitioning towards a more eco-conscious and resilient public transportation system.
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