Bainbridge Island’s commitment to achieving clean energy by 2040 will likely ultimately result in a transition to a single energy source.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Earth and Coastal Scientists Katie Arkema and Debbie Rose presented results from a two-year evaluation of Bainbridge’s ability to build clean energy sources on Oct. 8. It was submitted to the city council.
Among solar, wind, anaerobic biodigestion, and tidal energy, solar has emerged as the best option so far, but it is not without its caveats.
“None of the pathways, alone or in combination, can achieve 100 percent of the renewable energy needs now or by 2040 with island energy alone,” Rose said. “We have found that solar power is the most scalable, affordable, short-term option to meet Bainbridge’s future goals.”
The city needs to consider current energy demand, seasonality of demand, and expected growth in the BI grid to plan for the 2040 deadline, including the power supply for ferry electrification. There is. Depending on whether the city takes ambitious or moderate action, the island’s electricity use could increase by up to 35%, according to the report. In all scenarios, ferry electrification accounts for about 9% of growth.
As demand increases, more energy needs to be supplied, Rose added. But if growth rates meet the researchers’ predictions, “even the most aggressive civic efficiency programs and activities will not be enough to offset the increased demand.”
Arkema and Rose determined five energy production pathways using solutions selected by community members. Most included a combination of multiple resources. However, even if we use on-site clean energy resources whenever possible, we can only meet just under one-third of BI’s total energy needs. To reach its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2040, the city needs to explore partnerships with off-island renewable energy sources to fill the gap, the report says. There is.
The research team found that some options, such as wind and tidal power, cannot generate enough energy to support the entire power grid, but may still be useful in certain situations and further into the future. discovered. Wind energy is available at several locations around the BI to support small “main loads”.
“While there are many opportunities to develop small-scale projects with public and private property owners, large-scale solar opportunities are limited on the island,” Rose said.
The next steps for the island, according to city documents, are to install a solar power pathway and begin a concerted effort to increase public activity on this resource. Convert appropriate assets in the city to solar power, work with Puget Sound Energy on large-scale solar power projects, and help other public and private entities across the island convert to solar power. That would be the first step.
The city received a two-year federal grant in 2022 to conduct research and a climate resilience plan as part of a nationwide incentive program to reduce municipal emissions. It was one of 12 communities across the country to receive this grant.
City staff worked with stakeholders including schools, Fire and Parks Department, Sewer District, PSE, and ferries. Technologies such as solar roofs and carports were recommended, along with anaerobic biodigestion to convert waste into energy, wind and ocean energy. Electric heat pumps, electric cars and electric ferries are already planned to be introduced to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Another part of the report considers threats to current infrastructure such as PSE transmission lines and substations. Additionally, 18 community disaster sites were inspected, including Battle Point Park, Bainbridge High School, and Fort Ward Community Hall, along with city facilities such as City Hall and the sewage treatment plant. Ferry terminal. And the fire department. Hazards include severe storms, tsunamis, earthquakes, wildfires, and sea level rise.
