Sunnyvale, California, is tackling challenges like population growth, aging infrastructure, and power outages through a comprehensive master plan aimed at enhancing sustainability and resilience at its civic center. This center houses the city hall, library, and public safety headquarters. Recognizing the need for reliable power, the city identified a microgrid solution that could effectively address these challenges.
Other cities, like Houston, are pursuing similar initiatives, with plans to implement microgrids in neighborhoods to bolster critical services during emergencies.
In Sunnyvale, the modernization of the civic center emphasized goals such as net-zero energy, resilience, water stewardship, and carbon reduction. The city found that measures like installing a solar microgrid not only helped minimize energy usage but also ensured the continuity of essential services during emergencies.
### Collaborating with Stakeholders
To refine its approach, Sunnyvale engaged stakeholders through a collaborative process led by the Smith Group and PAE, employing a Choosing-by-Advantages methodology. This helped in making informed and rational decisions about the design, which included an all-electric approach, rooftop PV, and efficient HVAC systems. Their design adhered to the city’s ambitious “Reach building codes,” promoting electrification and high-performance construction.
### Achieving Sustainable Goals
As a result of these efforts, the civic center attained net-zero energy status and received LEED Platinum certification. Achieving net-zero involved establishing an annual energy use baseline and sizing the solar PV system to match annual consumption.
However, a key challenge remained: ensuring operations during power outages. The solution came in the form of an advanced microgrid featuring 736 kW of solar, 330 kWh of battery storage, and a 1-MW diesel generator. This setup, which began operations in late 2025, is designed to cover the civic center’s annual energy needs entirely with solar power while reducing peak demand significantly.
### Intelligent Microgrid Operation
The microgrid employs real-time controls to select and prioritize energy resources, ensuring the civic center remains operational regardless of grid availability. It can switch seamlessly from grid power to solar and battery storage and relies on a diesel generator as a last resort during nighttime or prolonged outages.
While the civic center incorporates this microgrid, other buildings, like the Emergency Operating Center, have redundant generators, reflecting a tailored approach rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Through this innovative project, Sunnyvale enhances its ability to serve residents and maintain essential services during emergencies, demonstrating a commitment to community resilience and sustainable development.
