Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority launches renewable energy microgrid for new electrified electric bus system

Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) and Arup have launched VTA’s microgrid, which uses on-site solar power and battery energy storage to provide resilient and sustainable energy for its growing fleet of electric buses.

The combined system supports a more reliable and environmentally responsible public transportation network for Martha’s Vineyard Island, off the coast of Massachusetts. The microgrid establishes a resilient independent energy source while significantly reducing carbon emissions. The all-electric bus fleet will eliminate 36,000 tons of carbon dioxide over 10 years of driving 1.4 million miles annually.

The single-user microgrid, designed by Arup, PXiSE and Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, is an energy distribution, storage and generation network that can be disconnected from the main grid during power outages to then tap into its own stored electricity and solar-generated power. This system also allows the agency to reduce its demand on the grid during peak hours and enables it to charge vehicles overnight through its energy storage infrastructure without interrupting service.

Located at VTA’s existing depot in the town of Edgartown, the microgrid combines a new 700 kW DC solar PV array, battery energy storage and a diesel generator as back-up, as well as 16 vehicle charging stations, with 20 more to be added in the coming years. The fleet is charged largely through solar energy.

“Our overriding priority is to provide a fleet that will serve the island for years to come with buses that are the most reliable, emission-free, fuel-saving vehicles available,” said Angie Gompert, VTA Administrator. “In order to do this, our infrastructure needs to support and reflect this commitment. A state-of-the-art transportation system is what our Island community deserves and what the Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority consistently strives to deliver.”

“We applaud the VTA not only for their ambitious vision to electrify their transit system but also to take it one step further with a microgrid, which allows on-site energy generation and storage. This trailblazing combination is what makes it truly sustainable and resilient, as well as cost effective,” added Geoff Gunn, Energy Systems and Zero Emission Vehicle lead at Arup.

The network will also include induction charging stations that recharge the buses on route, allowing them to stay in service for their 200 to 300 miles-a-day circuit without detouring to recharge.

Planned for operation in fall 2021, the stations are wireless charging plates embedded in the ground at bus stops. The vehicles will drive over the charging stations as passengers board and exit the vehicle, enabling buses to be partially charged numerous times throughout the day at each stop.

With on-site battery storage systems to provide energy cost reduction, and emissions free backup power, these charging stations easily blend in with Martha’s Vineyard’s natural landscape.

As an electrified fleet combined with a microgrid, the VTA’s new transit system presents a replicable framework for public transportation agencies nationwide, as they look to transition to a cleaner, more resilient and economic future.