Micro Grid Technology in Downtown Champaign

From recent News-Gazette articles, downtown is slowly hearing about a large scale project being developed that will make Downtown Champaign a leader and an example of smart gird technologies. High-performance infrastructure could become the next major economic driver for Champaign-Urbana. According to Melia Smith, Special Projects Coordinator with One Main Development, “we imagine that if we are successful, companies with these kinds of special needs will flock here.” One Main Development, in partnership with First Busey Corporation, GE, and Ameren is exploring the development of the micro grid.

Currently life on the power grid gives us power when we need it whenever we need it. However, when the power goes out a microgrid helps ensure that uninterrupted power is available to data centers and other high-performance computing facilities in town. Why this is so important is that as Champaign works toward being a competitive center to gain larger economic endeavors we require more power. According to a recent an article in this month’s National Geographic, “The federal government is spending money on the grid-the economic-stimulus package allocated $4.5 billion to smart grid projects and another six billion dollars or so to new transmission lines.”

Smart grid technology is already being employed in Boulder, CO. With sensors to monitor power flow and controls to manage equipment, installation of smart meters that transmit data allows consumers to see how much electricity costs. In the long term this will allow for choice in usage. For example choosing to do high energy activities in the evening when electricity is in less demand. As well, with prior agreement with homeowners, smartgrids can regulate private use with automatic reductions.  

The partners working on this new endeavor will be starting with development in the first phase from M2. Long term goals involve new construction of a stand alone building. It is also the desire of the partners to explore how this grid may be served by renewable energy generation systems. They are exploring the development of a large wind turbine generator project in the county or the possibility to partner with a project currently under construction. Additionally, several rooftops in the urban core may be well-suited for the location of solar photovoltaic panels.

This new development will be of overwhelming benefit to the urban core, local hospitals, and for the future progressive movements towards higher-quality power infrastructure. The partners are beginning conversations with potential customers to outline the needs, opportunities, and limitations of various entities that might be served by this grid. This will be a long term huge benefit to downtown Champaign and all of Champaign County.

Apartments trump condos in downtown Champaign housing boom

Great article by The News-Gazette’s Christine Des Garennes about people increasingly considering downtown Champaign for renting apartments. Being located in the heart of the city with great access to all that it has to offer, it’s easy to see why. For all the details:

Apartments trump condos in downtown Champaign housing boom

BLDD Opens New Location in Downtown Champaign

Downtown Champaign is proud to welcome BLDD to the Downtown Community.

17 East Taylor Street
Champaign, Illinois 61820
Phone: (217) 356-9606
Fax: (217) 356-8861

www.bldd@bldd.com