The Smart Grid infrastructure is capable of integrating and coordinating a system of mixed distributed resources – including renewable generation, rotary- and inverter-based generation, PHEV and V2G vehicles, and demand response methods.

NEXT: 50 Megawatt Community

The Downtown area of Fort Collins is ready to become its own net zero energy district. Other communities around the globe can replicate the technology and implementation.

SMART GRID

Creating a 5 Megawatt jump start demonstration using Smart Grid technology and reducing peak load demand by 20-30%

A pilot program producing 5 Megawatts of energy, or approximately 10% of the district’s energy demand, will help raise awareness of FortZED and will begin to build momentum for our larger goal of district-wide implementation.

In order to realize the vision of a Zero Energy District, a Smart Grid infrastructure is essential. It has the potential to transform today’s one-way electricity delivery network into a bi-directional platform for enabling a variety of energy services at lower cost and higher reliability.

This jump start zone is underway, thanks to a U.S. Department of Energy grant of $6.3 million, and another $4.9 million in investments from federal, state, business and community sources.

Nuts and Bolts of a Zero Energy District

  • Improve energy efficiency in generation, conservation, and flexibility
  • Develop and implement small-scale on-site renewables such as cost-effective solar PV panels and micro-wind turbines
  • Create more utility-scale green power such as wind and solar farms
  • Customers can customize energy offerings through product differentiation

Some of the Smart Grid technologies the net zero energy district will utilize:

  • Advanced mixed-fuel technology
  • Advanced generator controls
  • Low-cost grid parallel switchgear
  • Micro-wind turbine
  • Solar photovoltaic panels
  • Solar thermal systems
  • Solar electric systems
  • LED lights
  • CFL lights
  • Fuel cells
  • Hybrid engines, plug-ins
  • Vehicle to Grid vehicles
  • Continuous Power System (CPS)

Need more information?

Here's a brief glossary of FortZED terminology.

Need a quick overview of the project? Here's a flyer for you to download and print.