Montgomery County launches microgrid project with AlphaStruxure

Montgomery County, Maryland, in partnership with AlphaStruxure, a leader in Energy as a Service (EaaS) solutions, has officially commenced construction on a pioneering microgrid infrastructure project. This project is set to transform the David F. Bone Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operations Center into a hub for sustainable transit, featuring electric bus charging and onsite green hydrogen production, all powered by solar and battery energy storage.

Located within Ride On Montgomery’s network, the operations center is the second-largest bus fleet hub in the Washington, D.C. region and ranks as the fifth largest energy consumer owned by the county. By 2035, it is projected to support 200 zero-emissions buses, primarily hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs), which offer greater range than battery electric buses, making them ideal for longer routes.

The microgrid, expected to be completed in 2025, will not only supply renewable energy back to the grid but also power the depot’s zero-emissions buses. This initiative builds on the success of the Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot, the county’s first fully operational microgrid-powered bus facility. Combined, these projects will power approximately 335 zero-emissions transit buses, advancing Montgomery County‘s transition to a more sustainable fleet.

Juan Macias, CEO of AlphaStruxure, emphasized the project’s role as a new standard for public transit in the U.S., highlighting the simultaneous procurement of buses and the necessary sustainable infrastructure. County Executive Marc Elrich pointed out that this project is the largest renewable energy-powered transit depot and the first on the East Coast to produce green hydrogen onsite.

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Jamie Raskin have both supported the project, noting its importance in achieving Maryland’s clean energy goals and enhancing local public transit reliability and cost-effectiveness.

This microgrid project is part of Montgomery County’s broader efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035. It is expected to reduce the county’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 4,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, which is equivalent to the annual electricity use of approximately 780 homes. Additionally, the project will support equity through its contribution to cleaner air and less congestion along its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network, serving many minority and low-income riders.

Montgomery County’s groundbreaking initiative, supported by AlphaStruxure’s expertise and technology, represents a significant step forward in sustainable public transportation and energy management. It sets a benchmark for other regions and underscores the potential of integrated, renewable energy solutions in public infrastructure projects.