MEA’s Resilient Maryland Returns to Push the Envelope on Distributed Energy: FY22 Program Now Accepting Applications

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is pleased to announce that the Fiscal Year 2022 Resilient Maryland Program is now open for applications. This program provides competitive grants to support concept development, feasibility analysis and preconstruction planning for microgrids and other distributed energy resources (DERs) designed to benefit a wide variety of Maryland organizations, including: local communities, critical infrastructure, businesses, manufacturers, educational institutions, state and local government buildings, the agriculture industry, and others. Organizations seeking reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy to improve their operations and shield against the negative impacts of power outages should consider applying to this program. Applications must be received at MEA no later than 5:00 P.M. EST, Thursday, November 18, 2021. Award decisions are expected in early 2022.

The demand for resilient and clean power solutions has grown significantly over the past decade, and it continues to accelerate. Power outages pose significant threats to communities, including, but not limited to: production downtime for businesses resulting in loss of tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars; supply chain constraints and shortages; impacts to the health and well being of residents; disruptions to communication and financial services; and the loss of core community services such as wastewater treatment and emergency response. 

Microgrids, resiliency hubs and other advanced energy systems can incorporate combinations of different energy technologies that enhance efficiency and provide onsite clean energy generation, such as solar PV and combined heat and power (CHP), under advanced control systems. These systems provide a strong defense against threats from power outages by locating DERs directly onsite, near the point of use. They can also support the overall grid by reducing strain, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing cleaner energy to the State’s energy mix. 

Successfully implementing microgrids and other resiliency projects requires due diligence and careful planning to move from concept to reality. An organization’s decision-makers must understand exactly how a DER system provides benefits before moving forward with a complex project. Capital providers that could potentially finance the installation of a system must understand the risk profile and potential revenues before investment can be provided. 

MEA’s Resilient Maryland program provides grants to develop buy-in across a spectrum of stakeholders while assessing overall feasibility and benefits that may accrue to them. The program has funded 21 unique projects between two consecutive years which are yielding deep insight into successful DER system models that can be replicated and scaled, some of which are now progressing to installation. This progress will help develop Maryland’s market for energy technologies that bolster resiliency and make them more widely accessible.

Resilient Maryland’s third year will push this development further by supporting projects that are highly-innovative and include initiatives that promote distributed energy in new applications and support potential new beneficiaries.. The program will also raise awareness of potential new financial strategies and expand opportunities for communities experiencing socioeconomic challenges and vulnerabilities. 

Visit MEA’s Resilient Maryland web page for full information on the program, including eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, and how to submit a strong application package. Questions or media inquiries can be directed to Brandon Bowser, Energy Resilience Program Manager, at BrandonW.Bowser@Maryland.gov. 

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The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) advises the governor and general assembly on all energy matters, promoting affordable, reliable and cleaner energy. MEA develops and administers programs and policy to support and expand all sectors of the State’s economy while benefiting all Marylanders and implementing legislation. Please visit Energy.Maryland.gov and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for more information.