4. energy use work group
Micron Will Use a Massive Amount of Electricity
Micron estimates it will use
- 7.15 million MWh/year to power the facility upon completion of Phase 1 of the development (Fabrication Areas (“Fabs”) 1 and 2), with a projected operation date of 2032; and
- 16.17 million MWh/year to power the facility upon completion of Phase 2 of the development (Fabs 3 and 4), projected to be completed in 2043.
Micron and the State of New York have committed that 100% of the electricity needs for the plant will come from renewable energy, but indications are that this will be accomplished by purchasing renewable energy credits.
Key Questions
- What generation sources will supply the 100% renewable energy used by the plant?
- Where will those generation sources be located?● How will that generation be delivered to National Grid’s Caughdenoy Road substation, and will additional transmission capacity and other infrastructure be required to do so?
- What will be the environmental and electricity rate impacts of those generation sources and grid infrastructure?
Opportunity for System Synergies
The infrastructure upgrades needed for the Micron facility could benefit, and benefit from, broader system planning.
If done deliberately and with due consideration for ratepayer impacts, expanding the grid to integrate the Micron facility and loads from electrification of transportation, buildings, and other industrial and commercial uses in the Syracuse metropolitan area and Zone C could identify synergies. For instance, integration of electrical vehicles through bi-directional charging infrastructure could enhance reliability and resilience of electricity supply to Micron and the regional grid.