When Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina in September, it caused widespread power outages, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity. In the small mountain town of Hot Springs, N.C., the situation was dire as the town’s only electrical substation was swept away by the raging floodwaters.
However, thanks to a microgrid installed by regional utility company Duke Energy less than two years earlier, Hot Springs was able to restore power to critical facilities in just five days. The microgrid, which uses renewable energy sources such as solar panels and battery storage, can fully disconnect from the larger power grid during outages, making it a reliable source of electricity in times of crisis.
This success story highlights the potential of renewable-powered microgrids in bolstering resilience in the face of the worsening climate crisis. Energy experts have been promoting this solution for years, and it gained even more traction after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and Hurricane Maria in 2017.
The traditional power grid in the U.S. relies on centralized power plants or renewable generation sites that may be located far from where the energy is needed. High-voltage transmission lines then transport the power to substations, which distribute it to consumers. However, this system is vulnerable to natural disasters and can result in prolonged power outages.
Microgrids, on the other hand, provide a decentralized and self-sufficient source of electricity that can operate independently from the larger grid. This can be crucial in times of crisis, as quick restoration of power can save lives and aid in recovery efforts.
The success of Hot Springs’ microgrid serves as a model for other communities looking to increase their resilience to extreme weather events. As the climate crisis worsens, investing in renewable-powered microgrids may become a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of communities across the country.