The Navy Yard proves to be an ideal host for GridSTAR’s green energy sub-grid because, as Will Agate, senior vice president, explains, The Navy Yard is “one of the largest, unregulated, non-military electric grids in the entire nation.” Spanning 1200 acres, The Navy Yard is slightly larger than Center City Philadelphia. This combination of size and unregulated power provides a unique location for GridSTAR Center.
Penn State’s GridSTAR Center is an educational and operational research center that places a focus on smart grid technologies as well as fostering an understanding of these technologies. The center features a "smart-house" equipped with energy storage, and renewable energy solutions working in tandem.
Coordinated by Penn State's Department of Architectural Engineering, the GridSTAR Center was created to develop and deliver responsive professional and skilled workforce educational programming that is aligned with the caliber and pace of emerging smart grid investments and markets.
As David Riley, associate professor of architectural engineering, points out, “It's not one [green energy] technology that will get this done, it’s a suite of technologies – and they all interact together.” The "smart-home" or Smart Grid Demonstration Residence acts as a relatable structure where the community can view these revolutionary technologies.
Assistance from the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has been crucial to the success of GridSTAR. These organizations provide expertise, skills, and training on microgrids, smart grids, energy storage and renewable energy solutions.
Electric TV is an electric industry news outlet designed to inform the public of organizations’ efforts in renewable energy projects and smart grid solutions. With the support of NECA-IBEW, Electric TV releases short, informative videos that promote the initiatives of various organizations.