A microgrid is slated to enter service later in 2019 that will rank as one of Finland's largest energy self-sufficient business districts.

The project will have twin 2-megawatt (MW) solar power plants along with six gas engines that have a total generating capacity of 8.1 MW. The project also uses a 130 kilowatt fuel cell and a battery to smooth energy production fluctuations from the solar array. The six gas engines will run on natural gas or biomethane as available.

The project will have twin 2 MW solar power plants. Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory Finland’s government mandated the increased use of renewable energy to more than 50% during the 2020s and self-sufficiency to more than 55%.

The six engines are being supplied by Jenbacher and will be installed at four different sites connected with the solar plants, the fuel cells and the battery storage system to a microgrid system. The local grid operates mainly as part of the public electrical grid, but can also operate as a supporting reserve system or as an independent off-grid, on-demand system. Heat from the gas engines will be provided to the local district heating network.

The project is one of 11 that were granted investment aid from the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The total amount granted to the project was €4.97 million ($5.58 million).