North Carolina’s Electric Cooperative, Tideland EMC is partnering with Rose Acre Farms in Hyde County, to develop a microgrid that will supply energy to the farm and surrounding community.

The first phase of the project will include the installation of a 2 MW solar array, and a 2 MW battery energy storage system, which allows energy generated by the panels to be stored and dispatched when needed. The solar production is expected to offset about a third of the energy consumed by the complex holding up to two million hens and required pullets. In addition, about 60 percent of the power Rose Acre Farms receives from Tideland EMC comes from emission-free nuclear generation.

Lee Ragsdale, Senior Vice-president of Energy Delivery for North Carolina Electric Cooperatives stated “this project brings together two of our state’s most significant industries in an innovative effort to make the electric grid more sustainable, flexible and efficient, which results in more affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible power for the farm and for electric co-op members.”

Tony Wesner, COO of Rose Acre Farms commented “We are continually seeking innovative practices to reduce the carbon footprint of egg production,” He noted “this partnership with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and Tideland EMC will be another positive step into enhancing environmental sustainability, power source efficiency and resiliency. This will not only strengthen our local electric cooperative for our use, but for the local Hyde County community as well.”

Installation of the solar array and battery energy storage system will be completed during the third quarter of 2020. The second phase of the project will add a microgrid controller that manages existing emergency backup diesel generators and all the other components to expand the scope of the project.