Section 1 Hybrid micro-grid systems
Definitions— In this section:
Hybrid micro-grid system— The term hybrid micro-grid system means a stand-alone electrical system that is comprised of conventional generation and at least 1 alternative energy resource.
Isolated community— The term isolated community means a community that is powered by a stand-alone electric generation and distribution system without the economic and reliability benefits of connection to a regional electric grid.
Secretary— The term Secretary means the Secretary of Energy.
Strategy— The term strategy means the strategy developed pursuant to subsection (b).
Strategy— The Secretary shall develop an implementation strategy to promote the development of hybrid micro-grid systems for isolated communities, particularly for those communities exposed to extreme weather conditions and high costs of energy, including electricity, space heating and cooling, and transportation.
Requirements— In developing the strategy, the Secretary shall consider—
establishing future targets for the economic displacement of conventional generation using hybrid micro-grid systems, including displacement of conventional generation used for electric power generation, heating and cooling, and transportation;
the potential for renewable resources, including wind, solar, and hydropower, to be integrated into a hybrid micro-grid system;
opportunities for improving the efficiency of existing hybrid micro-grid systems;
the capacity of the local workforce to operate, maintain, and repair a hybrid micro-grid system;
opportunities to develop the capacity of the local workforce to operate, maintain, and repair a hybrid micro-grid system;
leveraging existing capacity within local or regional research organizations, such as organizations based at institutions of higher education, to support development of hybrid micro-grid systems, including by testing novel components and systems prior to field deployment;
the need for basic infrastructure to develop, deploy, and sustain a hybrid micro-grid system;
input of traditional knowledge from local leaders of isolated communities in the development of a hybrid micro-grid system;
the impact of hybrid micro-grid systems on defense, homeland security, economic development, and environmental interests;
opportunities to leverage existing interagency coordination efforts and recommendations for new interagency coordination efforts to minimize unnecessary overhead, mobilization, and other project costs; and
any other criteria the Secretary determines appropriate.
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the status of the strategy and efforts to implement the strategy.