Sesame Solar's Mobile Nanogrid: A Sustainable Solution for Emergency Response in Ann Arbor
The City of Ann Arbor, Michigan, recently approved the purchase of Sesame Solar’s Renewable Mobile Nanogrid. The unit will provide essential services during emergencies, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable energy solutions for the city.
Sesame Solar’s Renewable Mobile Nanogrids are an innovative solution to disaster response and community resilience that promises to eliminate carbon emissions while providing essential services to communities in need. According to the City Council.,
“Sesame Solar is the only market-ready purveyor that staff were able to identify, or Mobile Nanogrids capable of providing critical power loads during times of disruption. Given the frequent power outages faced at Fire Station 3 (and other city facilities) combined with the City's ongoing work to enhance resilience, Emergency Management and the Office of Sustainability and Innovations identified this unit as one that could provide immediate resilience, public education and renewable energy value to the City. No other vendor was found to have a mobile unit that could meet these unique needs immediately. An added benefit is that Sesame Solar is a Michigan-based company.”
At the City Council hearing, Council Member Lisa Disch, D-1st Ward, expressed excitement about the acquisition: “So I just wanted to say how excited I am to see CA3, which is the Sesame Solar Nanogrid acquisition. This is going to be a mobile resilience hub the size of a trailer.”
This innovative initiative marks a significant step in bolstering Ann Arbor’s resilience efforts. Partnered with a high-power density lithium battery and backed up with a green hydrogen fuel cell, the Sesame Solar Renewable Mobile Nanogrid promises to be a game-changer. During the hearing, City Council Member Disch said,
“So while it is nano for a grid, it's not nano compared to a phone. It's partnered with a high-power density lithium battery and backed up with a green hydrogen fuel cell. So when the battery runs down, there is fuel, and all of that fuel will be green. This will enable the trailer to provide mobile communications connectivity, electricity, and water purification, and you can also use the inside as an office or a medical facility if you need a pop-up store or a health clinic.”
One of the most remarkable features of Sesame Solar’s Renewable Mobile Nanogrid is its versatility. It's designed to provide essential services on the go, including mobile communications connectivity, electricity and water purification. Moreover, its interior space can be utilized as an office, medical facility, pop-up store, or even a health clinic, catering to diverse community needs.
Ms. Disch is particularly excited that Sesame Solar’s Renewable Mobile Nanogrids operate silently—a crucial feature for emergency responders who often contend with the noise and fumes of traditional generators. As she expressed during the meeting,
“It doesn't have carbon emissions, but it's also noiseless, and this, I read, is a big issue for emergency responders. They have to shout over the incredible din of gas generators, and they get headaches from low-grade carbon monoxide. So, this is just benefiting everyone.”
Furthermore, the Sesame Solar Renewable Mobile Nanogrid's mobility opens up endless possibilities for community engagement and education. The city plans to deploy it to various locations, including Peace Neighborhood Center and Green Baxter, our upcoming resilience hubs. It will serve as a platform for public engagement, design work and educational outreach at events like the Green Fair.
What sets the Sesame Solar Renewable Mobile Nanogrid apart is its commitment to sustainability. With its innovative technology, sustainable design, and community-focused approach, it has the potential to transform how the city responds to emergencies and engages with its communities. City Council Member Disch ended her speech by welcoming this exciting new addition to Ann Arbor with open arms and embracing its possibilities.
Listen to the full speech of City Council Member Lisa Dish:
