Blue Lake Rancheria, in Northern California is an area vulnerable to wildfires, tsunamis, and earthquakes.
Considering those risks, the tribe that owns the casino property has created its own solar-powered microgrid that can disconnect from the main grid and run off Tesla battery power. The installation powers six buildings, including a 55,000 sf casino and 102 hotel rooms totaling more than 140,000 sf of space.
Six core buildings could last for months on solar power, supported with backup generators during the night or on cloudy days. Blue Lake Rancheria’s microgrid could provide other mountain towns with a template for building their own.
Microgrids could help reduce the incidences of wildfires in these areas, as sparks from electric equipment have been blamed for major fires including last year’s devastating blaze in Paradise, Calif. If the utility had cut power when winds near Paradise kicked up, that deadly wildfire might never have ignited. Microgrids with backup batteries allow buildings providing vital services to remain operational if the main grid fails or is shut down.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2016
Louisiana flood projections require urgent action, officials say
The 'no net loss’ prediction now seems unrealistic.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2016
American Concrete Institute offers new guide for repair of concrete buildings
The guide provides assistance on assessment and rehab.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2016
The AISC prequalified seismic moment connection standard is now available
You can download the 2016 version for free.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2016
Obama Administration makes a push for denser, more affordable cities
The administration calls for zoning code changes and other measures to create more housing.
Codes and Standards | Nov 3, 2016
OSHA proposes safety standards changes to reduce employer costs
The changes include clarification on excavation standard and reporting job-related hearing loss.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2016
New resources available to reduce plug loads using advanced power strips
A tenant education program can boost efficiency in office buildings.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2016
Design industry lagging in meeting AIA 2030 Commitment goals, says AIA
Only 4% of projects have met the 70% energy savings target.
Codes and Standards | Oct 25, 2016
Concerns over megaquake in Oregon provoke debate over school building standards
According to advocates, communities should consider increased resiliency.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2016
Building energy codes projected to save $126 billion in energy costs from 2010-2040
Commercial and residential structures are both included in the total.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2016
Fall hazards, hazard communication lead 2016 OSHA top violations
The 2016 list bears a strong resemblance to the 2015 list.