Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center — Microgrid
Challenge
Advance Kaiser Permanente’s decarbonization and resilience goals by piloting a hospital microgrid that safely integrates renewable generation and battery storage with existing hospital electrical infrastructure. Reduce grid dependence and maintain clinical operations during grid disruptions, while aligning with California hospital regulations to enable future adoption.
Solution
Mazzetti partnered with Faraday Microgrids to design and engineer a renewable microgrid that collects, stores, and releases energy on demand. The system combines 250 kW of rooftop solar PV with 1 MWh of battery storage to supplement hospital demand, shave peaks, and reduce annual consumption by an estimated 365,000 kWh. A $4.77M grant from the California Energy Commission’s Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program supported demonstration and regulatory engagement. The microgrid can island the 50-bed acute care facility for up to three hours, supporting critical systems during outages.
Outcome
The microgrid improves operational resilience, lowers energy costs, and reduces carbon intensity, providing a replicable model for hospital microgrids in California. The demonstration positions state authorities to evaluate permitting pathways for broader microgrid use in hospitals, expanding reliable local power options amid increasing climate-related disruptions.
Key Features
- First hospital in California to implement a renewable energy–fueled microgrid integrating solar and storage with hospital systems.
- Peak-load reduction and annual energy savings of at least 365,000 kWh.
- Islanding capability powering critical systems for up to three hours.
- EPIC grant funding of $4.77M to support demonstration and performance measurement.
- Collaborative delivery with Charge Bliss as primary energy consultant and developer; Mazzetti provided microgrid design and engineering.
