Rodrigo D. Trevizan and Stanley Atcitty have co-authored the article “Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) as an Equity Asset: Lessons Learned from DER Deployments in Disadvantaged Communities,” published in the July/August edition of IEEE Power and Energy Magazine. This article summarizes Sandia’s contributions to Tribal Energy Storage projects, highlighting efforts from both the Tribal Energy Storage program and the Energy Storage Demonstrations team.
This research is significant as it addresses the energy challenges faced by Native American and Native Alaskan communities. According to the U.S. Census, over 6.79 million Native Americans make up about 2.09% of the U.S. population, with many tribal lands experiencing energy access issues. Recent surveys indicate that over 54,200 individuals live without electricity. In response, tribal governments are increasingly pursuing energy independence through the deployment of DERs, including renewable energy and energy storage systems.
Sandia’s work has been instrumental in providing technical assistance for these initiatives. Projects such as the microgrid in Levelock Village, Alaska, and solar PV and energy storage systems for the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Picuris Pueblo demonstrate the potential benefits of these technologies. Additionally, the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority’s efforts to electrify remote homes with renewable energy and advanced battery storage underscore the importance of sustainable energy solutions for tribal communities. These initiatives not only enhance energy sovereignty but also contribute to broader goals of sustainability and economic development.
IEEE Power and Energy Magazine is a respected publication in the fields of electrical engineering and energy technology, featuring peer-reviewed articles by industry experts. It serves as a valuable resource for professionals, researchers, and students, providing insights into industry trends and innovations.
Click here to read the full article.
This research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Electricity (OE), Energy Storage Division.
Citation:
- L. Bird, C. Walker, J. Womble, S. Atcitty, R.D. Trevizan, L. Concessao, H. Meenawat, and B. Tarekegne, “Distributed energy resources (DERs) as an equity asset: Lessons learned from DER deployments in disadvantaged communities,” IEEE Power and Energy Magazine, July/August, 2024.