Resilient Maryland shines through the dark

by Brandon Bowser, Energy Program Manager

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has received an incredible response to its Resilient Maryland pilot program. As of May 6, 2020, 25 formal proposals were provided from various entities across the state, representing a serious appetite for clean, efficient, reliable energy throughout Maryland’s communities, organizations, businesses, institutions, and critical infrastructure. From microgrids to advanced combined heat and power (CHP) systems, to resiliency hubs, the solutions proposed for further analysis and design will increase the integrity of our state’s energy infrastructure and help Maryland’s most vulnerable populations and essential organizations mitigate against energy disruptions, protect their livelihoods, and expand sustainability goals.

The current pandemic of COVID-19 has significantly uprooted our daily lives, and requires us to think in new, creative, and innovative ways about how we interact, manage our facilities, and protect our vital resources. We must design solutions that are resilient and allow us to quickly, effectively, and safely react. This includes how we manage our energy resources. Maryland has consistently proven itself a leader in efficient, clean and renewable energy solutions for all Marylanders. MEA looks forward to partnering with its Resilient Maryland grantees over the next year to arrive at shovel-ready, replicable resilient energy system designs which positively impact our environment, ensure the availability of electrical and thermal energy when the grid is down, and allow Marylanders to not only overcome times of hardship, but to emerge more galvanized and stronger than before.

All proposals are currently under review, and MEA expects award announcements by the end of May. Comments and questions regarding the Resilient Maryland program can be directed to Brandon Bowser, Energy Program Manager, at BrandonW.Bowser@Maryland.gov.