Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Clinics Powered by Renewable Energy Microgrid

Strategic Insights -

The General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has announced that Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Clinics (FMC) is now powered by a renewable energy microgrid system. The system, which began operating on August 22, 2025, generates two megawatts of clean solar energy and includes a battery storage system. This innovative solution provides significant energy cost savings and operating resilience while reducing the FMC's power-related environmental impact.

Key Takeaways:

  • The renewable energy microgrid system generates two megawatts of clean solar energy, reducing the FMC's reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
  • The system includes a battery storage system, which can provide six hours of emergency back-up power and supports 10 electric vehicle charging stations.
  • The microgrid is expected to provide 87% of the necessary power during peak needs, with the remainder purchased from Southern California Edison.
  • The FMC will achieve significant cost savings, with estimated annual savings of US$500,000 to US$1.5 million over the next 30 years.
  • The system was built by Renewable Energy Partners (REP) of Corona, CA, and will be maintained by the company going forward.
  • Dr. Jason Blanchard, Faculty Medical Group executive director of Clinical Operations, and Ricardo Peverini, president of the Faculty Medical Group, were key stakeholders in the project.
  • The solar panel infrastructure will also enhance the FMC's ability to care for the community during emergencies and reduce its environmental footprint.

Statistics:

  • The FMC uses an average of 1.7 megawatts of electricity per day.
  • Peak usage reaches more than two megawatts during summer months.
  • The current baseline cost for power purchased from Southern California Edison is 17 cents per kilowatt hour, rising to 24 cents at peak times.
  • The cost of energy from the microgrid is 15 cents per kilowatt hour for the next 30 years.
  • Estimated annual savings: US$500,000 to US$1.5 million.
  • System generates 2 megawatts of clean solar energy.

Sources:

  • "Loma Linda University FMC operations use an average of 1.7 megawatts of electricity per day."
  • "The microgrid will provide 87 percent of the necessary power during peak needs, with the remainder purchased from Southern California Edison."
  • The Associated Press (no date) - Note: This source does not provide a publication date, and I have not added one as per your instructions.