On June 12, 2026, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced the development of two mobile microgrids, intended to improve disaster resilience. The microgrids, consisting of solar and battery components on movable trailers, are the result of a $5 million investment from the DEQ’s State Energy Office in 2025 using State Energy Program Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding. With anticipated completion scheduled for March 2027, these projects will be the result of partnerships with Footprint Project, Land of Sky Regional Council (LOSRC), and NC Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA). As “Beehive Microgrids,” the mobile microgrids will provide water filtration and refrigeration for medication and food. The mobile microgrids can also be moved to provide electricity to charge devices or medical equipment or provide power for communications following an outage.
To continue supporting community resilience, DEQ and partners plan to install 24 permanent microgrids in six North Carolinian counties affected by Hurricane Helene. The first five sites selected include a public library, a fire department, and community centers. DEQ and partners anticipate a completion date of June 2027 for all stationary microgrids.