WKUFriday, November 6
WKU gets $2 million to build a microgrid to support critical operations during power outages
The Today in Bowling Green team
Western Kentucky University has received a $2 million award to build a microgrid at its Innovation Campus. The money comes from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet's Office of Energy Policy, with funding through the U.S. Department of Energy's State Energy Program.
$2 millionaward for WKU's Innovation Campus microgrid
It comes through the state's Office of Energy Policy and the U.S. Department of Energy's State Energy Program.
Sources: The Lane Report, WNKY News 40 Television
The system will combine solar power, battery storage, existing backup generators and advanced controls. It's meant to keep critical facilities running during outages, including WKU's Disaster Science Operations Center, which works with Kentucky Emergency Management on disaster response. WNKY reported the award on Oct. 29.
- Principal investigator: Manmeet Singh, WKU assistant professor
- Design partner: Electric Power Research Institute
- Utility coordination: Bowling Green Municipal Utilities and TVA
The microgrid award runs through June 2028
- Sept. 2026The award period begins for WKU's microgrid project.
- Oct. 29WNKY reports the $2 million award, citing a release.
- June 2028The award period ends.
Sources: The Lane Report, WNKY News 40 Television
“Being selected for the first award under Kentucky's Resilient Microgrid Program reflects the work our students and faculty have put into making WKU a leader in disaster science.”
Sources: The Lane Report, WNKY News 40 Television