The state’s Board of Public Utilities approved $2 million to fund 13 feasibility studies for a new micro-power grids that would power and connect Camden County’s wastewater treatment plant to the Covanta Camden Energy Recovery Center, a waste-to-energy facility.
Among the areas that the study will be conducted for are Atlantic City, Camden County, Cape May County, Galloway Township, Highland Park, Hoboken, Hudson County, Middletown Township, Montclair Township, Neptune Township, the city of Paterson and Woodbridge Township.
Ultimately, the new microgrids will allow the two facilities to exchange electrical and thermal energy under normal conditions and during emergencies, such as strong storm conditions.
The results of the studies could lead to RFPs being issued for construction companies to build the microgrids by the towns or municipalities that would be affected. The cost of the microgrids will be determined as part of the studies, but is expected to exceed $50 million.