Western Kentucky University (WKU) will develop a microgrid at its Innovation Campus to help maintain critical operations during power outages, including activities at a disaster response center that supports emergency management across Kentucky.
The project is supported by a $2 million award from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet's Office of Energy Policy, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy's State Energy Program. The award period runs from September 2026 through June 2028.
The planned microgrid will combine solar generation, battery energy storage, existing backup generators and advanced controls. Designed to operate alongside the utility grid under normal conditions, the system will be capable of operating independently during outages.
One of its primary functions will be supporting WKU's Disaster Science Operations Center (DSOC), which works with Kentucky Emergency Management on disaster response. Maintaining power at the center is particularly important during severe weather events, when grid disruptions can coincide with increased demand for emergency coordination and information.
The project also will provide a research platform for WKU faculty and students. Researchers in the DSOC's AI Research (AIR) Lab will explore applications connecting weather data, energy management and emergency operations.
The goal is to develop tools that link weather forecasting with energy and emergency response decisions, according to Josh Durkee, DSOC director and university meteorologist.
Project development will include engineering and design, equipment procurement, installation and testing to evaluate how solar generation, battery storage and backup generators operate together.
WKU will work with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) on engineering analysis and design review. The university also will coordinate with Bowling Green Municipal Utilities and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) on interconnection requirements and potential participation in TVA's Peak Rewards demand response program.
In addition to supporting campus operations, the project will include education and outreach for the university, local community and emergency response personnel. Students in engineering, environmental science and emergency management programs will have opportunities to work with the microgrid and analyze its operating data.
The project is the first award under Kentucky's Resilient Microgrid Program. The state's Office of Energy Policy says the program is intended to help communities maintain access to essential services during hazardous events by supporting more self-sustaining emergency response locations.
