On Wednesday, July 10th, at 3 PM, a pivotal kickoff meeting was held to mark the commencement of a groundbreaking project under the Department of Energy’s Communities Local Energy Action Program (Communities LEAP). The meeting brought together an impressive array of representatives from the Pellere Foundation, the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), Venango County, DBS Development, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Governor’s Office of Critical Investments. This diverse coalition of stakeholders gathered to launch an ambitious endeavor aimed at enhancing energy resilience, fostering job creation, and improving the quality of life in Venango County.
The project, an innovative collaboration between the Pellere Foundation and NREL, focuses on designing a pilot 3-5 megawatt (MW) semi-islanded microgrid with battery backup that can then be used as a blueprint for rural energy resilience around the state. This initiative is set to span the next 12-18 months and promises to be a transformative venture for the community. By leveraging the expertise of NREL and the dedication of the Pellere Foundation, the project aims to provide clean, reliable energy to Venango County residents and the development of a regional supply chain for microgrid components, setting a precedent for sustainable development in the region.
The kickoff meeting was a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared vision of all parties involved. Representatives from each organization expressed their enthusiasm for the project and their commitment to its success. The atmosphere was one of optimism and determination, as participants discussed the potential impact of the microgrid on the local community.
A key highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on enhancing energy resilience in the community. By providing a reliable source of clean energy, the microgrid will help to mitigate the effects of power outages and ensure a stable energy supply for critical infrastructure. Diversification of energy sources, including renewable-energy-based microgrids, is a key factor in overall community resilience, making the project a forward-thinking solution to future-proof the county’s energy needs.
In addition to energy resilience, the development and implementation of the microgrid are expected to generate demand for both new training pathways and a significant number of skilled, high-paying job opportunities in the region, providing both educational and economic relief for local residents. This aspect of the project was particularly celebrated, as it aligns with the broader goal of fostering economic growth and stability in Venango County.
The quality of life in Venango County is also expected to improve as a result of the project. Clean energy not only reduces the community’s carbon footprint but also contributes to a healthier environment. The microgrid’s design will prioritize sustainability and impactful connections with the broader community, ensuring that the benefits of the project extend well beyond its immediate economic and energy impacts.
The kickoff meeting concluded with a strong sense of shared purpose and commitment, marking the beginning of an exciting journey toward energy resilience, job creation, and improved quality of life in Venango County. The collaboration between the Pellere Foundation, NREL, and their partners represents a powerful model for community-driven development and underscores the potential for transformative change when communities come together with a common goal.
Want to continue the conversation? If you would like to learn more or if you would like to get involved or have your voice heard, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach out via email: rachel@riverrootsredevelopment.org. Keep an eye on our website (riverrootsredevelopment.org) and Facebook page (@RiverRootsRedevelopment) for more updates and for our summer schedule for Coffee Chats, where you can find out more about local projects and share your own ideas with some of those involved in local redevelopment.
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Rachel Brosnahan is the Community Engagement Coordinator for River Roots Redevelopment. She can be reached by email at rachel@riverrootsredevelopment.org.
