Wedoany.com Report-Oct 09, The Bellin and Gundersen Health System and utility partner Xcel Energy broke ground last month on a microgrid at what they tout as one of the first 100% resilient and renewable energy healthcare campuses in the U.S.
The microgrid, which was announced in January, will be built at the health system’s Onalaska, Wisconsin, campus. The microgrid will be connected to a new battery energy storage system, the facility’s existing rooftop solar array and biogas energy generated by the nearby La Crosse County Landfill.
“This microgrid will help fortify one of our largest campuses to allow continuous care and great experience,” said Bill Farrell, chair of the Gundersen Envision board of directors and chief strategy and innovation officer for Bellin and Gundersen Health System. “This is a big win for our region and for the future of sustainable healthcare.”
It is expected that the microgrid will manage 4,511,000 KW of power each year, the equivalent of the annual energy use of 411 homes, according to officials from Gundersen.
“We are ensuring our great staff can provide care in the event of a power outage and at the same time expanding our investment into sustainability programs. This reduces the cost of care for everyone and helps keep our environment healthy,” said Heather Schimmers, Gundersen region president for Emplify Health (the Bellin and Gundersen Health System is rebranding as Emplify Health).
