Montgomery County officials, including County Executive Marc Elrich, joined state and local leaders to announce the completion of a major microgrid project at the David F. Bone Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operation Center in Derwood.
The project is described as the largest transit depot microgrid in the nation and is designed to support the County’s transition to a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035, while advancing broader clean energy and transportation goals.
The 6.8-megawatt system includes thousands of solar panels, battery energy storage, and charging infrastructure capable of supporting up to 200 Ride On buses and multiple buildings. Officials say the microgrid will help manage energy demand, reduce emissions, and improve system reliability, including the ability to operate independently during power outages. The project builds on a similar microgrid in Brookville and is part of ongoing efforts to expand sustainable transit infrastructure across the County.
County and state leaders emphasized the project’s role in strengthening climate resilience, supporting economic growth, and modernizing public transportation. The microgrid will also help power future hydrogen fueling infrastructure and support planned expansion of the County’s Bus Rapid Transit network. Officials say the project reflects continued collaboration between government agencies and private partners to advance long-term environmental and transportation objectives.
