New Orleans uses solar microgrids to prepare for hurricanes

New Orleans has developed a network of solar-powered "community lighthouses" to provide power during hurricanes, aiming to enhance resilience against extreme weather events.

Beth Timmins reports for BBC.

In short:

• The Broadmoor Church in New Orleans is equipped with solar panels, serving as one of 86 planned "community lighthouses" designed to offer power during hurricanes. These hubs form part of a project by Together Louisiana to build the nation's largest network of solar resilience centers.
• Community lighthouses function as microgrids with battery backup, offering essential power for communication, refrigeration and medical needs during power outages caused by hurricanes. The project, backed by local and federal funding, will eventually support 380,000 New Orleans residents.
• Louisiana, prone to extreme weather, faces high costs due to hurricanes. With these lighthouses, the state aims to reduce deaths and suffering caused by power outages and extreme heat during hurricanes like Ida in 2021.

Key quote:

“This starts from grassroots to try to get a response that becomes systemic, one that checks in on people in their neighbourhoods – we're in the early stages of developing this across our state.”

— Broderick Bagert, Together Louisiana

Why this matters:

Extreme weather is increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, leaving many without power during hurricanes. New Orleans' solar microgrid initiative is a proactive step towards ensuring community safety and resilience during these events.