North Carolina Launches Resilient, Clean Energy Microgrid Initiative

On August 12, 2025, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality State Energy Office in partnership with the Land of Sky Regional Council, NC Sustainable Energy Association, Footprint Project, and other regional partners, launched a $5 million Microgrid Initiative. The North Carolina State Energy Office is utilizing U.S. State Energy Program funding to develop up to 24 stationary microgrids across six counties affected by Hurricane Helene. There will also be two solar and battery storage mobile microgrid hubs serving the full state to strengthen emergency power access for critical facilities and services.

"This year we updated the North Carolina Energy Security Plan, which identifies microgrids as a key way to mitigate impacts from disturbances to the electric grid" said Julie Woosley, Director of the State Energy Office. "A microgrid can enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure in our state by providing a localized, reliable, and flexible energy system that can operate independently or in coordination with the main power grid. This is a cost-effective way to meet local energy needs during outages and provide supplemental energy during peak times. The State Energy Office is glad to be able to provide funding for this initiative to show the value of these systems to our communities."

Site selection for the microgrids will begin in fall 2025 and project completion is targeted for summer 2027. More information can be found here.