Paskenta Band advances tribal microgrid project in Northern California
State- and federally funded solar and battery system is designed to improve energy reliability and support tribal utility goals
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians is partnering with OATI to manage a two-site solar and battery microgrid system designed to strengthen energy reliability and support tribal energy independence in Northern California, according to a June 16 announcement from OATI.
The project includes 4.5 megawatts of solar generation and 21 megawatt-hours of battery storage. According to the announcement, the microgrids are designed to provide renewable power, reduce peak energy demand and allow the tribal community to operate independently from the local utility grid during outages. The project, which broke ground in 2024, is supported by state and federal grants. Tribal leaders said the project is intended to support the development of an independent tribal-owned utility.
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