Distributed Generation

The Energy Resources Center administers the Department of Energy’s Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) for the Midwest and Central regions. This initiative offers no-cost technical assistance to interested facilities, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and other large energy users. ERC engineers work directly with sites to assess their specific needs and requirements to size and model onsite energy technologies. The Onsite Energy TAP also provides educational and engagement activities aimed at stakeholders to facilitate the adoption of onsite energy solutions.

The project team scopes out onsite energy system sizes, model annual operation of the system, identify savings opportunities, and financial incentives available to adopt distributed generation technologies. The Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership is a resource for end users, as well as a provider of stakeholder education, and strategic engagement to reduce barriers to onsite energy adoption.

Nicor Gas customers that pay into the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard are eligible for a no-cost combined heat and power feasibility study funded by the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program. The feasibility studies take a deeper dive into the operation of CHP systems with an hourly operational model of the system using cost estimates provided by regional equipment representatives.

The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program provides eligible Nicor Gas customers with a complimentary feasibility study for combined heat and power (CHP) systems. This study analyzes the facility’s electrical and thermal load requirements, identifies suitable CHP prime mover technology, accurately sizes the system, and obtains vendor quotations.

The Energy Resources Center is working with school districts across the state of Illinois to install microgrids supported by battery energy storage systems and vehicle-to-grid bidirectional electric vehicle charging stations. The DOE Renew America’s Schools program is designed to update aging infrastructure in schools, reduce energy related operational costs, increase energy reliabililty and provide beneficial grid services. Find out more about the program by contacting the Onsite Energy Team!

The Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Schools Program aims to modernize outdated school infrastructure to reduce energy-related operational costs while also providing valuable grid services. Through this initiative, the ERC partners with 15 school districts in Illinois to implement microgrid systems that incorporate battery energy storage and vehicle-to-grid bidirectional electric vehicle charging stations.

The Fluorinated Gas Reduction Program, which has high Green House Gas reduction potential for Illinois industry, aims to mitigate the impact of fluorinated gases, which have high global warming potential and long atmospheric lifetimes. ERC will engage in stakeholder outreach, planning, and project identification and support Illinois EPA Office of Energy’s competitive program by providing technical support to phase out super-emitting fluorinated gases.

The Biomethane Emissions Reduction, Capture, and Utilization Program prioritizes the development of localized, distributed biomethane utilization systems, aiming to significantly reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and develop regional supply chains specifically for its deployment in high-value end uses, such as industrial heat, sustainable aviation fuel, and maritime transport.

ERC will act as a third-party clean industry concierge to help Illinois industrial facilities navigate, coordinate, and access funding opportunities, get support in designing and implementing decarbonization measures, and provide strong guidance on industry best practices in efficient and cost-effective low-carbon technologies and processes.