MADERA COUNTY — Valley Children’s Healthcare has started a groundbreaking solar microgrid to make the hospital more energy efficient and sustainable. The new system will include solar panels, fuel cells, and battery storage. Therefore, giving the hospital the ability to generate, store, and distribute its own electricity. This will not only reduce the hospital’s need for fossil fuels but also keep it running smoothly, even during power outages.
Reducing Emissions & Saving Millions
To begin, once completed in 2025, the microgrid will provide 80% of the hospital’s energy needs. Additionally, it will cut greenhouse gas emissions by over 50%. Thus, improving the air quality in an area known for pollution. Over the next 25 years, it will ensure that the hospital can always stay fully operational, even if there are regional power failures. Equally as important, this project will save around $15 million in energy costs during those years.
Project for the Community & Environment
In addition, Valley Children’s Healthcare President and CEO, Todd Suntrapak, emphasized how this project will benefit both the hospital and the community.
Valley Children’s Healthcare President and CEO, Todd Suntrapak (Photo Credit: Valley Children’s Website)
By investing in this cutting-edge technology, we’re securing a reliable energy source for our patients, doctors, and staff and contributing to a more sustainable future for our community,” Todd Suntrapak said.
Creative Solar Design with a Fun Twist
Interestingly, the solar panels for the project will be designed to look like the hospital’s mascot, George the Giraffe. Thus, bringing a fun touch to the facility while also helping the environment. Valley Children’s hopes the microgrid will become a model for other hospitals nationwide.
Part of a Larger Sustainability Commitment
Lastly, this new project is part of Valley Children’s commitment to sustainability and comes after they joined the U.S. Department of Energy‘s (DOE) Better Climate Challenge in 2023. Moreover, the DOE’s program helps hospitals and businesses lower their carbon emissions. Maria Vargas, Director of the Better Buildings Initiative, praised Valley Children’s for leading by example with this project.
Director of the Better Buildings Initiative, Maria Vargas. (Photo Credit: Well Certified)
Congratulations to our Better Climate Challenge partner Valley Children’s Healthcare for breaking ground on a first-of-its-kind renewable energy microgrid,” said Maria Vargas.
She continues, “By improving community resilience and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, innovative projects like this are what the Better Climate Challenge is all about: meeting the challenge of climate change head-on and leading the way for other.”
Todd Suntrapak added, “This project is not just about energy resilience. It is about ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.”
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