Jacobs selected for first-ever rail microgrid project

Dallas — NJ TRANSIT selected Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. to provide design and general engineering services for the NJ TRANSIT Microgrid (NJ TRANSITGRID) project. The objective of the $577 million NJ TRANSITGRID project, the first of its kind in the United States for public transportation, is to implement a microgrid capable of providing reliable power for core critical transit infrastructure supporting rail systems operated by NJ TRANSIT and other operators of the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The microgrid will be capable of supplying highly resilient power during critical times when the regional electric grid may be compromised due to storms or other events.

Key design components of the new microgrid include a central, natural gas-fired power plant and associated substations, transmission/distribution lines to substations that electrify the tracks and operating controls for critical portions of the NJ TRANSIT and the NEC systems, as well as connections to the PJM commercial grid.

Under the terms of the contract, Jacobs is providing owner’s engineering services including regulatory & economic advisory services, conceptual and preliminary design, procurement support, contract packaging for the procurement of design-build contracts, and construction assistance to support the development of the NJ TRANSITGRID project.

In making the announcement, Jacobs Senior Vice President Buildings and Infrastructure Randy Pierce stated, “We are very pleased and excited to partner with NJ TRANSIT in developing this unique project. NJ TRANSITGRID is set to make a tremendous difference in the lives of the commuting public during the times when they need it most when events disrupt New Jersey’s critical infrastructure, isolating the local population from their jobs, families, and other important services. This project continues to advance NJ TRANSIT’s leadership in resiliency and recovery.”