Closeup time: Microgrids gained the spotlight treatment with another high-profile mainstream media story this past weekend.
CBS Saturday morning focused one of its segments on the Hotel Marcel microgrid project in Connecticut. Microgrid Knowledge Conference contributor Ageto Energy designed and developed the project.
The 7-minute segment focused on the project’s connection to on-site solar and other clean energy technologies. CBS Saturday morning co-anchor Michelle Miller visited the Hotel Marcel and spent time with hotel developer Bruce Becker and manager Ben Webster, highlighting the site’s unique history and architecture.
“Thank you, CBS Saturday morning, for sharing the story of how Hotel Marcel has charted a path to decarbonize the commercial building sector,” Backer wrote in a LinkedIn post celebrating the media coverage. “There’s much more to the story, including Passive House certification, POE and lots of other important details - but what a great way to introduce the general public to this replicable renewable energy zero emission strategy!
Hotel Marcel is on the National Register of Historic Places and a Hilton-branded hotel. It’s grid-tied microgrid also is connected to provide grid services as well as on-site power for the facility.
Longtime Microgrid Knowledge Conference participant Ageto provided the microgrid controls for the project. The CBS segment also details how the hotel microgrid cuts greenhouse gas emissions.
Backup power generator firm Generac recently announced it was acquiring Ageto to bolster its commercial and industrial microgrid market reach. The two companies have been collaborating on projects since 2021.
Microgrids have been gaining widespread media attention in the past year. Fox News Channel featured the technology’s growth phase, while TIME magazine named microgrid developer Schneider Electric as the world’s most sustainable company.
Click here to see the YouTube version of the CBS Saturday Morning microgrid segment.