Kaiser Invests in Microgrids To Improve Sustainability

Higher-acuity care and increased threats of outages are driving interest in microgrids

By Dan Hounsell


Healthcare systems are increasingly interested in combating climate change and are undertaking efforts to operate more sustainably and address climate change, such as investing in renewable technology applications to reach carbon-neutral status.

In 2020, Kaiser Permanente became the first U.S. healthcare system to achieve carbon-neutral status. For decades, Kaiser Permanente’s hospitals have had microgrids powered by diesel generators to provide backup power during outages and ensure patient care is not interrupted. While microgrids are not new to the health care environment, two issues recently have made microgrids even more essential: higher-acuity care at more locations and the increased threat of outages due to wildfires and extreme heat, according to Health Facilities Management.

According to Ramé Hemstreet, vice president of operations and chief energy officer at Kaiser Permanente, diesel generators are not a preferred solution. And if the facilities are running diesel generators more frequently, their impact on climate change reinforces the negative spiral.

Charge Bliss, the firm that installed a renewable energy microgrid project at a Kaiser hospital in Richmond, Calif., is partnering again with Kaiser Permanente on a demonstration project at the Ontario Medical Center. The battery energy storage system will be charged by 2 megawatts of on-site solar. If this project is implemented as scoped, it will provide eight times the storage capacity of the Richmond microgrid.



June 28, 2021


Topic Area: Energy and Power


Recent Posts

The Advantages of Access Control Technology Over Traditional Formats

Access control manufacturers discuss the technology’s potential benefits.


Preparing for the Hazards of Winter Weather

Winter is here and healthcare facilities must be ready for inclement weather to prevent slips and falls.


The Leapfrog Group Announces 2023 Top Hospital and Top ASC Award Winners

132 hospitals earned the Top Hospital Award, and 27 ambulatory surgery centers earned the Top ASC Award.


Tampa General Hospital Completes Acquisition of Bravera Health

This acquisition will expand TGH’s capabilities and reach.


Protecting Healthcare Facility Workers During Winter Weather

As facility managers brace for colder weather, workplace safety must remain top of mind.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.