San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has selected Lockheed Martin to provide systems engineering support for their Borrego Springs Microgrid demonstration project.

The microgrid "proof of concept" project is one of the first utility-scale systems in the nation and will help SDG&E increase grid reliability. Microgrids are portions of the electric grid able to operate independently of the overall grid when necessary, and can include individual customer sites or separate circuits within a utility's distribution network. Microgrids are becoming an important method for utilities to manage grid instability and to more effectively integrate renewable energy sources, electric vehicles and storage into the larger grid.

"We are excited about the opportunity to bring our expertise in command and control and situational awareness to this important learning process for SDG&E and the energy market," said John Mengucci, president of Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services-Defense. "What we learn on this project using existing operating circuits will be extremely valuable to the utility industry for implementation of 'smart' grid technologies."

This project will establish the microgrid demonstration at the Borrego Springs Substation, East of San Diego.

Lockheed Martin is working with its customers to address the nation's energy and climate challenges in the areas of energy efficiency, management, next-generation alternative energy generation and climate monitoring. The corporation provides a full range of energy solutions to the government and regulated industry, including the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency, utilities, state and regional energy organizations, and businesses.

In addition to power management, Lockheed Martin is working with utilities to perform technology evaluation, planning and design for interoperable, scalable and secure smart grid implementations. The corporation's micro grid solutions address a variety of operational imperatives, including cyber security, preserving safety and the environment and life cycle cost.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin